Advancements in immersive VR as a tool for preoperative planning for laparoscopic surgery

The utility of three-dimensional (3D) models for planning laparoscopic surgery and surgical training has been demonstrated. (1) Computed tomography (CT) scans with oral and intravenous contrast medium are frequently used for preoperative evaluation of patients undergoing complex laparoscopic surgery. Immersive 3D VR overcomes many of the conceptual limitations encountered when conveying or teaching 3D relationships via 2D images traditionally produced by these scans. Over the past year we have made advancements in several areas. First, we have improved the quality of our datasets by utilizing higher resolution multi-detector scans and altering the protocols used. Second, we now register multiple isosurface views with standard axial views and volume textured views to provide additional information and perspective. Third, we now routinely use auto-segmentation techniques to visualize individual structures.