3D Endoscopic Sinonasal Surgery

Three-dimensional (3D) endoscope is considered as a new surgical tool used in intranasal and anterior skull base surgical procedures. There are several advantages of 3D endoscopy over the two-dimensional (2D) including more accurate identification of surgical landmarks, better depth perception and less intraoperative complications. Also, it was reported that 3D endoscopic procedures result in shorter operative times. There are several current designs to mimic binocular vision in 3D visualization technology. These include dual-channel technology, shutter mechanism technology, and the insect eye technology. Stereoscopic vision allowed better visualization of textures and curvatures of the surfaces. However, some surgeons reported discomforts such as eye strain, headache, fatigue, or dizziness during 3D surgery. Also, soiling of one lens interferes with visualization.