Evaluation of an image-guided navigation system in the training of functional endoscopic sinus surgeons. A prospective, randomised clinical study

Many sinus surgeons report improved spatial orientation after using a navigation system. This study investigates the surgical, ergonomic and economic aspects of using a navigation system in training and teaching. Eight rhino-surgeons in training and 32 patients with bilateral diseases of the paranasal sinus system were included. After randomisation, one patient`s side was operated on with a navigation system while the other side was operated on without navigation. It was monitored how often the surgeon used the navigation pointer and then changed the procedures. A standardised and validated interview recorded the cognitive load when using the navigation system and the application efficiency. The operations lasted on average 16 minutes longer with the navigation. Five paranasal sinuses could not be found in the control group without navigation. In only 10-13% of cases did the surgical procedure change after the use of the pointer. Most of the surgeons admitted that particular steps of the operation were more reliable and safer to carry out with the navigation system. The general trust in the system rose in proportion to intraoperative accuracy and repeated use. Overall, there was an overwhelming level of trust in the navigation system. Trainee sinus surgeons seeing their more experienced colleagues using a navigation device tend to overestimate the possibilities of the system and to underestimate the risks. The assistance system was used particularly effectively in the group of slightly more experienced surgeons. In this group, the additional expenditure of time was less and the navigation substantially contributed to reinforcing the anatomical sense of direction.