Does High-Definition 3-Dimensional Imaging Improve Orientation During Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgery? A Prospective Trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Endoscopy has evolved as the standard visualization tool for endonasal transsphenoidal resection of sellar lesions. The most widely used 2-dimensional (2D) endoscopes harbor the problem of limited depth perception. Therefore, 3-dimensional (3D) endoscopes have been developed to enable depth perception through a stereoscopic view. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of high-definition (HD) 2D vs 3D HD endoscopes on spatial orientation within the sphenoid sinus. METHODS: In this prospective single-center study, 21 patients have been investigated (2021-2022). Eleven standardized anatomic landmarks, which were preoperatively defined on neuronavigation imaging, were intraoperatively targeted with a navigation probe using either 2D HD or 3D HD endoscopes for visualization. RESULTS: Overall, 3D HD endoscopes provided a statistically significant higher accuracy of identification of sphenoid sinus landmarks (median deviation: 5.2 mm vs 4.2 mm, P < .001). In detail: tuberculum sellae (3.0 mm vs 4.3 mm, P = .047), most anterior point of sella (3.3 mm vs 4.8 mm, P = .049), and clivus indentation (3.8 mm vs 5.3 mm, P = .035). Anatomic variations such as a complex sphenoid sinus configuration had no influence on identifying sphenoid sinus landmarks. CONCLUSION: According to our data, stereoscopic 3D HD endoscopy enhances intraoperative orientation by improved depth perception within the sphenoid sinus. This may add to the safety of endoscopic skull base procedures, especially in extended approaches and cases with distorted anatomy.