Navigation in head and neck oncological surgery: an emerging concept

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Navigation surgery has evolved over 20 years, initially in rhinology, neurosurgery, and orthopedics.
• Computed tomography (CT)-based surgery is increasingly vital in the head and neck region.
• Hardware fusion techniques combining MRI and CT are gaining utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the application and outcomes of navigation surgery in head and neck cancer cases.
• To demonstrate the benefits of navigation in protecting critical anatomical structures during surgery.
• To assess the impact of navigation on patient quality of life and surgical morbidity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a navigation system since 2006 for head and neck cancer surgeries.
• Employed CT data and hardware fusion techniques for surgical planning and guidance.
• Performed 33 navigation procedures on 31 patients.

Main Results:

• Navigation surgery enabled precise control during resection, avoiding damage to vital vessels and nerves.
• The technique effectively guided biopsies and radiofrequency treatments.
• Observed increased quality of life and decreased morbidity in patients undergoing head and neck surgery.

Conclusions:

• Navigation surgery is a valuable tool in managing head and neck cancer.
• It significantly enhances surgical precision, patient safety, and recovery.
• This technology leads to improved outcomes for patients undergoing major head and neck procedures.