In recent years, virtual endoscopy has been performed widely in the medical fields. Virtual endoscopy is the computer - generated simulation of endoscopic images derived from three - dimensional magnetic resonance imaging data sets and is used to view the inner surface of hollow organs in a continuous fashion with optical, video- assisted technology. In the field of head and neck, virtual endoscopy is used to simulate the endoscopic view of the nose and sinus, larynx, inner ear, ventricle and salivary gland. Virtual endoscopy can play an indispensable role in imaging diagnosis, presurgical plan, image guided surgery, and in the education and training system for endoscopic surgery trainers and medical students.
