Endoscopic integrated multipoint laser system to perform quantitative
measurements in endoscopic anterior skullbase surgery
Abstract
Introduction: Measurements in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) are usually
obtained with variable accuracy. We aimed to validate endoscopic
multipoint integrated laser systems (EIMLS) for use in ESS, which can
acquire measurements within one-hundredth of a millimetre. Methods:
4.4mm flexible endoscopic EIMLS projecting 49 laser points into the view
was used to assess simulated anterior skullbase defects.
Antero-posterior and lateral measurements were obtained and repeated
twenty times by two surgeons. These were compared to measurements with
surgical calipers. Intra and inter-observer reliability was assessed.
Results: 80 measurements were obtained of simulated skullbase defects by
each otolaryngology surgeon and compared to manual measurements. The
mean difference shown was 0.56cm. Bland-Altman plot shows low bias
(0.044) but wide 95% limits of agreement (-1.8 – 1.9). Conclusion:
EIMLS allows reliable and easy to obtain measurements within a simulated
ESS environment. Translation of this technology offers promise in a
future clinical setting but will require further refinement to improve
accuracy.