The use of image guided navigational tracking systems for endoscopic sinus surgery and skull base surgery: A review

The use of tracking technology and navigation system has revolutionised the field of endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery. The role of the navigation system is to enhance surgeon's knowledge of anatomy and experience and not to replace it. Most common navigation system use is optical or electromagnetic tracking technology. Both tracking technologies have been found to be suitable for the demands of intraoperative navigation. It has improved the precision and accuracy of performing surgery and reduced complication rates. The navigation's accuracy depends on factors such as image modality, tracking technology, and registration technique. It allows the surgeon to have information on bony anatomy, position and size of any lesion, as well as location of critical structures such as the carotid artery and optic nerve. We reviewed the use of optical and electromagnetic tracking systems and their differences in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery.