[Functional endoscopic sinus surgery assisted by navigation system--own experience].
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is nowadays a gold standard in case of chronic sinusitis. Microscopes and endoscopes are routinely used and the plan of the operation is based on physical examination and high resolution computed tomography of paranasal sinuses done in the bone frame. In the last few years trials were done with intraoperative navigation systems. This kind of system was tested in the ENT department of Karol Marcinkowski University in Poznań. Surgery was performed using electromagnetic and optical one. Thirteen patients with chronic sinusitis underwent surgery. A high resolution computed tomography was done in three planes. Then the data were transferred to the computer system. Those data were used to plan the surgery (determination of the "safe corridor") and in the intraoperative monitoring of the position of surgical instruments. We can state an improvement of the comfort for the surgeon and safety for the patient. We did not state disturbances in system work due to patient displacement during surgery. Accuracy and rapidity of the computer system allowed to perform safe surgery. Authors accentuate the usability of this system in case of reoperation, extensive pathological changes and in congenital malformations.