Page 41 - Head and neck surgery

(II) NAVIGATION AND AUGMENTED

REALITY

Integration of navigation systems and augmented reality systems helps to counter the lack of

tactile sensation associated with robotic surgical systems.

This is particularly important when operating in the nasopharynx and skull base to prevent

inadvertent injury to the internal carotid artery and dura, the latter of which although rare is

theoretically possible in patients with extensive skull base osteoradionecrosis. Such integrations

can also help to prevent inadvertent injury to the internal carotid artery when performing radical

resection of tumours in the oropharynx.

Last but not least, navigation and augmented reality systems can help to facilitate surgical planning

and education.