[Digital OR: better planning and communication]

At the center of digital ENT surgery are four primary technological developments: in addition to the potential of a digitalized operating room (OR), these are modern navigation approaches, planning software, and robotics-based assistance systems. In the OR of the future, not only will data enrichment and information integration play a role, but so will the incorporation of high-tech medical devices. Their use and the information they generate are simplified, while at the same time, further clinical data are optimized before, during, and after the surgical procedure. Specially designed intuitive user interfaces, automated workflows, and advanced imaging techniques allow the full potential of diagnostic, surgical, and postoperative patient data to be exploited. New surgical planning technology helps ENT surgeons to more easily evaluate complex anatomical structures and more accurately and quickly diagnose conditions. Based on an adaptable anatomical software model, a multitude of anatomical structures can be identified and segmented as objects. The high accuracy and consistency of identification of these objects make segmentation an integral part of precise treatment planning. With modern planning software, in 3D patient images, tumors and structures at risk can be accurately contoured, trajectories planned, and CT and MR images fused and subsequently easily accessed in the OR for further use. This serves as a guide during surgery and ultimately results in improved patient safety and more efficient routine clinical workflows.