Endoscopic sinus surgery using intraoperative computed tomography imaging for updating a three-dimensional navigation system

Objectives: The use of three-dimensional navigation systems provides inform ation on the structures surrounding the field of operation and thereby redu ces the risk of iatrogenic damage. The computed tomography (CT) data conven tionally used are provided by preoperative scanning procedures, which means that tissue changes coming about during surgery are not seen on the screen . An intraoperative CT scanning procedure being able to update the CT data could provide a solution. Study Design: Endoscopic sinus operations using a n intraoperative CT updating the three-dimensional navigation system mere p erformed on six persons to find out, whether the above is true. Methods: Di fferent parameters, advantages, and disadvantages in the cases of these six patients were compared with a group of 22 patients who underwent conventio nal endoscopic sinus surgery with different three-dimensional navigation sy stems without updating the CT data set. Results: The intraoperative CT for updating the three-dimensional navigation system provides useful informatio n for the surgeon, Conclusion: Balancing its advantages against its disadva ntages, the updating of the CT data set with intraoperative CT cannot be re commended for conventional standard endoscopic sinus surgery.