Experience with the use of the navigation system for ear surgeries: A cohort study

Abstract

Objectives: Image guidance has been well characterized in spinal, orthopedic, sinonasal, and skull base surgery, but there is limited information on the use of these systems in cochlear implant and ear surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of image guidance systems to facilitate cochlear and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) implant surgery. Study Design: Cohort. Materials and Methods: Eleven patients, including 10 who underwent cochlear implantation and 1 who underwent BAHA implantation with the assistance of the navigation system, were included in the study. Patient's data (age, gender, type and cause of hearing loss, and type of surgery), preoperative computed tomography scan findings, accuracy of the navigation system, operating time, and postoperative complications were collected and analyzed. Results: All 11 patients underwent uneventful surgeries finding the desired sites for implantation with ease by using the navigation system. All surgeries were completed without any complications. Conclusion: Performing cochlear and BAHA implantation with the assistance of the navigation system is a safe way to treat patients with normal or abnormal anatomy. In particular, it is helpful for identifying the round window for electrode insertion in cochlear implantation and for choosing the site with the thickest bone for BAHA implantation.