Objective: To evaluate the application of computer-aided design and navigation technology in skull base and infratemporal fossa tumor surgery and to analyze its advantages and disadvantages.
Methods: Twenty-nine cases with tumor of skull base and infratemporal fossa were treated with computer-aided design and navigation surgery. The Parameters of age, gender, primary or recurrent tumor, tumor nature and surgical approach were recorded.
Results: En bloc resection was performed in 20 cases and subtotal resection in 9 cases. The margin status was negative margin in 8 cases, near-tumor margin in 17 cases and positive resection margin in 4 cases. Postoperative complication rate was 14% (4/29). During the follow-up period, 2 benign cases recurred.In the malignant group, there were 7 cases of recurrence, 2 cases of metastasis and 3 deaths. The 5-year overall survival and progression-free survival rate were 69% and 40% respectively.
Conclusions: Navigation technology can enhance the confidence of the surgeons and operation safety in handling malignant tumors in skull base and infratemporal fossa.