Three-dimensional High-Resolition CT in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Conventional high resolution CT scannings are not optimal for demonstrating three-dimensional anatomic relationships. In otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery these critical relationships are often highly complex, and their complete understanding is essential to a successful surgical outcome. A new computer generated image display format, 3-Dimentional High Resolution CT Scanning (3-D HRCT), facilitates the understanding of these critical anatomic relationships the underforming conventional imaging data into clinically relevant 3-D images. Conventional two-dimensional CT scans are obtained for routine clinical indications of operation. Unlike many other 3-D reconstruction algorithms, 3-D HRCT suffers minimal data loss in the conversion process, which in turn provides for superior image solution. This better allows the application of 3-D technology for small or complicated anatomic structures such as middle ear components, maxillary sinus, orbital structures those are frequently encountered in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Advances in computer-controlled manipulation that further enhances the evaluations of desired pathologic features have been achieved. This study contains representative clinical cases chosen to illustrate the potential utility of 3-D HRCT in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The authors believe 3-D HRCT images will enhance the surgeon's understanding of the 3-D anatomic relationships that exist between critical pathologic features and surrounding vital structures and be useful for the explanation to the patients and young doctors.