Advanced intraoperative imaging methods for laparoscopic anatomy navigation: an overview

Area of Science:

• Minimally invasive surgery
• Surgical imaging
• Gastrointestinal surgery

Background:

• Laparoscopic surgery faces challenges like 2D imaging and lack of tactile feedback.
• Enhanced optical imaging can improve identification of critical tissues.
• Image-guided surgery is an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current developments in surgical optical imaging.
• To focus on improved anatomic identification and tissue characterization in laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of the PubMed database.
• Inclusion of studies on novel optical imaging techniques for laparoscopic gastrointestinal surgery.
• Inclusion of gynecologic and urologic procedures for specific tissue imaging.

Main Results:

• Identified various optical imaging techniques for visualizing structures like blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes.
• Techniques enable tissue characterization, including blood perfusion assessment.
• Preclinical and clinical data highlight potential for improved intraoperative localization.

Conclusions:

• New optical imaging methods can enhance intraoperative navigation in laparoscopic surgery.
• Improved navigation may increase patient safety by preventing iatrogenic injury and enhance efficiency.
• Near-infrared fluorescence imaging is a promising technique for near-future clinical implementation.