Computer-assisted surgery and computer-assisted telesurgery in otorhinolaryngology

Surgical preparation is enhanced by the availability of computer-generated three-dimensional models that allow surgeons to explore the surgical field in various projections prior to an actual operation. In fact, with adequate computed tomography images, an entire operation can be simulated beforehand so that surgeons can plan the safest and most effective approach and be prepared to avoid or overcome obstacles during the actual procedure. Also, computer technology allows surgeons to conduct remote consultations and to even perform telesurgery--that is, to operate on a patient from a great distance. In this article, we describe our experience with computer-assisted local and remote endoscopic sinus surgery in Croatia.