IMAGE GUIDED SURGERY-GPS FOR THE SURGEON

What is image guided surgery?

Image-guided surgery (IGS) is any surgical procedure where the surgeon uses tracked surgical instruments in conjunction with preoperative images (CT/MRI)in order to guide the procedure.CT/MRI images are used to create a 3D map of the unique anatomy and the surgeon uses a probe on the operative field and localises the structures and correlates them to the scan .This will show the surgeon on the monitor where exactly he is placed in the patient’s unique anatomy.

How does it benefit the patient?

It guides the surgeon towards better accuracy for removing the disease and superior safety because of better identification of critical structures.

What are the main indications in ENT?

• Revision sinus surgery
• Extensive sino-nasal polyposis
• Pathology involving the frontal, posterior ethmoid, or sphenoid sinuses
• Disease abutting the skull base, orbit, optic nerve or carotid artery
• Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leak or conditions where a skull base defect exists
• Benign and malignant sino-nasal neoplasms

Will it affect the patient in any form?

The presence of image guidance during surgery does not affect patient .It usually is done under general anesthesia with endoscopic instruments