A note on the technical aspects and evaluation of the role of navigation system in endoscopic endonasal surgeries

Development of endoscopic endonasal surgery has made it possible to reach diseases located in difficult areas of nose, paranasal sinuses and skull base. Technical advancements such as development of electromagnetic navigation system have greatly revolutionized the field of endoscopic endonasal surgery. Electromagnetic navigation system has improved the precision and accuracy of performing surgery and complication rates. This paper will emphasize on the technical aspects, mechanism of working, advantages and disadvantages of using electromagnetic navigation system and compare it with optic tracking system. While navigation system has many benefits, it should be used as an adjunctive to the surgical skills of a surgeon but not as a substitute.