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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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 June 2025

Edward Balai*
Affiliation:
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
Mohammed Hassan Hussain
Affiliation:
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, UK
Karan Jolly
Affiliation:
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Adnan Darr
Affiliation:
University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, UK
*
Corresponding author: Edward Balai; Email: edward.balai@nhs.net

Abstract

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.

Information

Type
Main Article
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Edward Balai takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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