Laparoscopic and endoscopic exploration of the ascending colon wall based on a cadaver sectioned images

For realistic virtual dissection, the sectioned images of a cadaver are a desirable material because of their high resolution and real body color. After a volume model is made of the sectioned images, it can be piled or peeled at the intended thickness as if a structure's surface is expanded and shrunken. The purpose of our study was to confirm whether laparoscopic and endoscopic exploration of the processed volume model plays a part in anatomy investigation. The ascending colon was outlined in serially sectioned images and accumulated to build a volume model. While the volume model was being piled or peeled, the ascending colon was observed laparoscopically and endoscopically in comparison with the original sectioned image. The trial efficiently demonstrated layers of the colon wall and surrounding tissues which could not be visualized by conventional macroscopic or microscopic techniques. The availability and contribution of this new method will be confirmed by application to other various organs.