Can 3D Exoscopy-Assisted Surgery Replace the Traditional Endoscopy in Septoplasty? Analysis of Our Two-Year...

Background/Objectives: Septoplasty is a commonly performed surgical procedure aimed at correcting nasal septal deviations, to improve nasal airflow and respiratory function. Traditional approaches to septal correction rely on either direct visualization or endoscopic guidance. Recently, a novel technology known as exoscopy has been introduced into surgical practice. Exoscopy is an "advanced magnification system" that provides an enlarged, three-dimensional view of the operating field. In this article, we present our experience with exoscope-assisted septoplasty, developed over the last two years, and compare it with our extensive experience using the endoscopic approach. Methods: Our case series includes 26 patients, predominantly males and young adults, who underwent exoscope-assisted septoplasty. We discuss the primary advantages of this technique and, most importantly, provide an analysis of its learning curve. The cohort of patients treated using the exoscopic approach was compared with a control group of 26 patients who underwent endoscope-guided septoplasty, randomly selected from our broader clinical database. Finally, we present a representative surgical case that details all phases of the exoscope-assisted procedure. Results: Our surgical experience has demonstrated that exoscopy is a safe and effective tool for performing septoplasty. Moreover, the learning curve associated with this technique exhibits a rapid and progressive improvement. Notably, exoscopy provides a substantial educational benefit for trainees and medical students, as it enables them to share the same visual perspective as the lead surgeon. Conclusions: Although further studies are required to validate this approach, we believe that exoscopy represents a promising advancement for a wide range of head and neck procedures, and certainly for septoplasty.