Accessibility and use of image-guided navigation systems for endoscopic sinus surgery in the UK: a cross-sectional, survey-based study of UK ENT consultants.

OBJECTIVES

The American Academy of Otolaryngology endorses using image-guided navigation systems in appropriately selected sinus and skull base cases. This study aimed to understand current practices, accessibility and use of image-guided navigation systems in otolaryngology departments across the UK.

METHODS

A 13-point survey was distributed to UK otolaryngology consultants, with responses collated between May and December 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 154 responses were received. Whilst 28.6 per cent felt it should be mandatory for a department undertaking endoscopic sinus surgery to have image-guided navigation systems, 33.1 per cent reported a lack of access, with financial cost the primary barrier. Half of the respondents reported using image-guided navigation systems for surgery involving the sphenoid sinus and "full-house" functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Over three-quarters felt image-guided navigation systems should be utilised for frontal sinus pathology or expanded approaches.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights variations in access to image-guided navigation systems and a range of practices regarding its use for endoscopic sinus surgery amongst UK otolaryngologists.