Application of image-guidance to surgery of the orbit

There are a variety of pathologic processes affecting the orbital structures that an otolaryngologist might be asked to manage along with an ophthalmologist. The otolaryngologist may play the major role or may participate in a minor way. This article addresses some of these pathologic processes from anatomic and surgical standpoints, and the possible role of computer-aided surgery (CAS) when contemplating orbital surgery. At the outset, it should be stated that the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has endorsed the use of CAS as potentially beneficial in surgery involving orbital structures. Although it is certainly not essential that this technique be used, it can aid in the identification of various structures. Most importantly, CAS is not a replacement for knowing the anatomy of the orbit and its relationship to surrounding structures.