Endoscopic pituitary surgery with and without image guidance: an experimental comparison

We have demonstrated in this experimental setting that the electromagnetic tracking image guidance possesses a high accuracy at millimetric level and therefore provides precise localization and orientation in EPS. With the assistance of neuronavigation system, it is advantageous not only in saving operating time, but also, more importantly, in enhancing the orientation, thus, rendering surgeries safer and more efficient. During the in vivo pituitary surgery, EPS with image guidance can provide accurate and reliable stereoinformation to achieve better results with lesser risks, particularly in complex cases or in reoperations, even in the hands of experienced surgeons.