Abstract
Background and Study Aims Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance image (MRI) data have been widely
used to for navigation in various neurosurgical operations. However, delicate intracranial
structures cannot be displayed using only one imaging method. Navigation with multimodality
imaging was developed to better visualize these structures in glioma removal, but
whether it is useful in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is unknown. We describe
our clinical experience using multimodality imaging for navigation in endoscopic transsphenoidal
surgeries.
Material and Methods A total of 134 patients underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery with navigation
using multimodality imaging. CT and MR images were fused and processed to optimally
visualize anatomical structures of the sphenoidal sinus and tumor.
Results Navigation with multimodality imaging offers a precise display of anatomical structures
in the sphenoid sinus as compared with navigation based on either CT or MRI.
Conclusion Navigation with multimodality imaging is capable of providing optimized guidance
during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgeries. The fused images allow precise visualization
of sphenoidal sinus structures, lesions and tumors. This is valuable for increasing
safety in cases of anatomical variations and potentially decreasing the rate of tumor
recurrence.
Keywords sphenoid sinus - endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery - navigation - multimodality imaging
- magnetic resonance image
