Image-guided surgery for skull base neoplasms using the ISG viewing wand. Anatomic and technical considerations.

Image-guided surgery of the cranial base requires a knowledge of both surgical anatomy and the technical aspects of the particular system being used. The authors report on their experience using the ISG Viewing Wand over the last two years, concentrating on the technical considerations for the use of the system and lessons learned. Image-guided surgical systems may well replace the current forms of intraoperative imaging used for anatomic orientation and localization and are considered a valuable addition to the armamentarium of the skull base surgeon.