title: Computer-assisted navigation in craniomaxillofacial tumors.
abstract: Surgical procedures in the head and neck region require a detailed knowledge of this region's complex anatomy. Anatomic changes due to tumor growth present special challenges for the surgeon. In addition to the clinical examination, which is still of fundamental importance, imaging procedures such as computer-aided surgical navigation technology are currently being used in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative assessments of anatomic changes. For purposes of analysis, we have analyzed the application of navigation technology into 2 categories: 1) minimally invasive procedure and biopsy; and 2) resection of extensive tumors and reconstruction after tumor surgery. Navigation can make tumor surgery more reliable by specifying correct safety margins, protecting vital structures, and facilitating the reconstruction process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, German Federal Armed Forces Hospital, Ulm, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schramm
authors.forename: Maria Mercedes
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Suarez-Cunqueiro
authors.forename: Enno Ludwig
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Barth
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Essig
authors.forename: Kai-Hendrik
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Bormann
authors.forename: Horst
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kokemueller
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rücker
authors.forename: Nils-Claudius
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Gellrich
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019292:Skull Base Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*