Navigation and image-guided HBP surgery: a review and preview

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Navigation
• Computer Science in Medicine

Background:

• Hepatobiliary-pancreatic (HBP) surgery relies on preoperative imaging for planning, with intraoperative ultrasound and tactile feedback guiding procedures.
• Current decision-making in HBP surgery is often subjective and limited to highly specialized surgeons.
• Advances in imaging and computer science are driving innovation in surgical guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of new imaging technologies for volumetric prediction of liver resections.
• To assess the role of 3D reconstructions and telemedicine in improving surgical planning and training.
• To evaluate the feasibility of computer-navigated surgery in HBP procedures.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for volumetric liver resection prediction.
• Employing three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions for enhanced understanding of tumor-vascular relationships.
• Developing computer-generated 3D virtual resection proposals for intraoperative guidance.
• Investigating the use of intrahepatic and surface markers for navigation.

Main Results:

• New CT and MRI technologies enable volumetric prediction of liver resections.
• 3D reconstructions improve understanding of complex anatomical relationships.
• Telemedicine facilitates data sharing for simulation and training.
• Initial feasibility studies for computer-navigated HBP surgery show promise.

Conclusions:

• Volumetric prediction and 3D visualization are advancing HBP surgical planning.
• Intraoperative imaging and navigation are becoming increasingly crucial for HBP surgeons.
• Overcoming organ mobility challenges with markers is key for successful computer-navigated surgery.