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Home   »   Procedures  »  Stereotactic Image Guided Surgery

sinusitis example

Sinusitis is the infection of the mucosa inside the nasal cavities and facial sinuses. When the narrow sinus passageways become blocked due to congestion, mucus drainage is obstructed and infection can occur.

Sinusitis is usually caused by sinus inflammation and will generally resolve over time with conservative treatment. Acute sinusitis, however, can sometimes fail to resolve which can lead to chronic sinusitis and a number of other complications. All of the sinuses are located near vital structures. The ethmoids and frontal sinuses are near the brain and eyes, the maxillary sinuses are under the eyes, and the sphenoid sinuses are in the back of the sinuses surrounded by a host of nerves and vessels. For this reason, sinus surgery techniques and technology have progressed towards making sinus surgery as safe as possible. Techniques and specialized equipment for sinus surgery can be tailored for each patient’s sinus concerns.

 

Stereotactic Image-Guided Surgery Preparation

A minimum of half an hour is needed to fully understand your expectations and to get a complete history and evaluation of the inside and outside of your nose. Knowing what to expect will make the entire experience more pleasant and increase your satisfaction with the surgical results. The doctor will discuss the cosmetic and functional expectations of your surgery in detail to make sure all of your questions are answered. Depending on whether you have functional/breathing issues insurance may cover part of your surgery.

 

What Is Stereotactic Image-Guided Surgery?

stereotactic image guided surgery

Stereotactic surgery for sinusitis is becoming increasingly prevalent as a major advance in sinus surgery technology. Stereotactic surgery involves mapping the three-dimensional anatomy of the sinus cavities with a sinus CAT scan so that the actual anatomy can be used during surgery. This involves using laser surface verification, magnetic probes and complex mathematical imaging algorithms.

Using stereotactic image-guided surgery (IGS) with modern endoscopic sinus surgery procedures, a surgeon can make decisions and verify anatomy in real-time.

By registering magnetic probes with endoscopes and surgical tools, a surgeon is able to monitor his progress in three dimensions on a computer screen while he compares sinus anatomy with a magnified view inside the nose. Comparing the live endoscopic view of the anatomy with three different CAT scan views of that patient at the same time can provide a tremendous amount of additional information.

After Surgery and Recovery

Depending on your work, the doctor typically recommends taking a minimum of 3 days off before returning to work. He also discourages his patients from any heavy lifting. If you wear glasses, you may require some alterations if applicable. The doctor will provide you with pain medications, ointments, nasal sprays, all to help maximize your results. The doctor will then see you in visitations two weeks later, and then one month after that. Dr. Mourad enjoys the continued visitation of his patients and will see them in follow up for many years thereafter.

 

Safety Of Stereotactic Sinusitis Surgery

Image-guided surgical instruments in the operative field are accurate to approximately 2mm. The procedure also accounts for head movement and breathing movement with patient headset movements tracked by the system. This is similar to stereotactic radiosurgery procedures developed for the treatment of cancer. Additionally, the sinuses provide the perfect environment for image-guidance probes because of their natural bony borders.

 

Limitations Of Image Guidance

The primary limitation of IGS for sinusitis patients is the higher upfront cost compared to traditional or endoscopic surgery, due to increased time expenditure on the part of the surgeon and higher capital expenses for the maintenance and repair of image-guidance technology. On average, IGS takes 17.4 minutes longer than traditional endoscopic procedures with the additional time and equipment expenses amounting to an additional $500 per procedure. The expenses in cities and with higher-end surgical centers can be much higher.

 

Stereotactic Image Surgery And Insurance

Indications for stereotactic surgery are determined by boards and committees of sinus specialists. Insurance companies will generally deny new technologies as experimental until these specialty physician boards negotiate the procedure uses for patients. IGS has been in existence long enough to be covered by most insurances. The current indications include frontal and sphenoid surgery, nasal polyps, and revision sinus surgery. Norelle Health’s staff will check your insurance before your procedure to let you know what your benefits include.

Meet Norelle Health

Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS is double board-certified in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery and Reconstruction. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He treats many conditions,... Learn More »