Background and objectives: Surgery of advanced tumors and lymph nodes in the pelvis can be challenging due to the narrow pelvic space and vital surrounding structures. This study explores the application of a novel electromagnetic navigation system to guide pelvic surgery.
Methods: This was a prospective study on surgery for malignancies in the pelvis. Preoperatively obtained imaging was used to create a patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) roadmap. In the operating room, the 3D roadmap was registered to an intraoperative computed tomography scan. A tracked pointer was used during surgery for guidance. Primary endpoint was safety and feasibility, secondary endpoints were accuracy and usability.
Results: Twenty-eight colorectal, four liposarcomas, and one gynecological patient were included. There were no safety issues. Navigation was feasible in 31 patients. The mean target registration errors of 4.0 and 6.3 mm were achieved for straight and French position, respectively. In seven of seven patients with a locally advanced rectal tumor and in seven of eight patients with recurrences, negative margins were achieved. Thirty-three of 36 target lymph nodes were successfully removed. Surgeons using the system indicated faster localization of the tumor and improved decisiveness.
Conclusion: This novel surgical navigation system was safe and feasible during pelvic surgery and can facilitate its users.
Keywords: electromagnetic tracking; locally advanced rectal cancer; pelvic recurrences; surgical navigation.
© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.