Abstract
Objectives: The three dimensional (3D) endoscope is considered as a new
surgical tool which used in different approaches in intranasal and
anterior skull base surgical procedures. There are many advantages of
the 3D endoscopy over the two dimensional (2D) one that have been
demonstrated along clinical applications, surgical training and
different experimental studies. Our study aimed to show the difference
between using the 3D & 2D endoscopes during endonasal and anterior
skull base surgery and its importance specially when used by novice
users. Design: Our study is divided into two phases (clinical &
cadaveric phases).In the clinical study we have done 52 endonasal &
anterior skull base surgical procedures (26 study cases and 26 control
cases).We recorded accuracy, duration and intraoperative complication
for each case. The cadaveric study was performed on three cadavers,
difference in accuracy and dissection time were recorded using 3D & 2D
endoscopy for each side chosen by randomization. Results: In the
clinical study, the cases done by 3D endoscope were significantly faster
and more accurate with less intraoperative complications compared to
cases done using 2D endoscope. In cadaveric dissection while using 3D
endoscope there was better depth of perception regarding the anatomical
landmarks compared to 2D endoscope. Conclusion: 3D endoscopy is an
advanced instrument that allows better training for the coming
generation of ENT surgeons. Both clinical and cadaveric studies offer a
promising outcomes in both endonasal and anterior skull base surgery.