Application of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery with Navigation system in Medical University - Pleven: Pilot results

Abstract

Background: Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS), supported by a navigation system, is a modern minimally invasive method for diagnosis and surgical treatment of nasal polyposis, acute and chronic sinusitis, benign and malignant tumors of the nasal cavities and skull base, congenital anomalies, severe epistaxis, and a number of other pathological processes in these anatomical areas. Advantages of the method are the improved orientation through navigation, reduced blood loss, sparing of neighboring tissues and structures, optimization of postoperative results, reduction of recovery period and pain as well as the optimized quality of life of the patient. Aim: Presentation of pilot results from the first surgical interventions under Work Package 3 “Endoscopic sinus surgery, supported by a navigation system, in ENT practice”, performed in the “Integrated Interdisciplinary Operating Unit with Navigation and Telesurgery Systems” built under the project BG05M2OP001–1.002–0010 “Center of Competence in Personalized Medicine, 3D and Telemedicine, Robot-assisted and Minimally Invasive Surgery” funded by the “Science and education for smart growth” Operational Program and the European Regional Development Fund. Results: The surgical interventions were performed without intraoperative and early postoperative complications; the recovery period was smooth. During the follow-up examinations, we observed good local postoperative status, optimal period of healing and absence of subjective complaints reported by the patients. Conclusion: Our pilot results support the advantages of navigated FESS for safer, more precise and sparing radical treatment of diseases of the nose and nasal cavities. Extended multidisciplinary studies are forthcoming within the project for overall assessment of the significance and applicability of the introduced method in different groups of patients.