Objective: To compare the complication rates and outcome of computer-assisted versus non-computer-assisted functional endoscopic sinus surgery.Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 276 patients who had undergone sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with (n ¼ 108) or without (n ¼ 168) computer assistance, from 1996 to 2004, to determine the incidence of complications and need for revision surgery.Results: The incidence of complications was 6.5 per cent in the computer-assisted group and 6.0 per cent in the non-computer-assisted group ( p ¼ 1.00). In the computer-assisted group, 9.2 per cent needed revision surgery, compared with 10.7 per cent in the non-assisted group ( p ¼ 0.84).Conclusions: Although our study found no significant difference in complications or revision rates, computer-assisted surgery serves as an important orientation aid during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

SPECT/CT is an innovative imaging technique, reliably and readily providing additional anatomical/functional information to detect and to excise SLN in the head and neck region. Therefore, SLNE with SPECT/CT-technique is an attractive option to improve the detection of SLN in cutaneous head and neck malignancies.

NCT00433927 (ClinicalTrials.gov); AIO KRK0306 FIRE-3.

The portable γ-camera is an innovative imaging technique, reliable and providing additional information in the detection of SLN. Therefore SLNE with intraoperative γ-camera use is an attractive option to improve the detection of SLN in cutaneous malignancies and could help to reduce false negative SLN results.

The results have consequences for the design and clinical use of automated navigation support.