Intraoperative image-guided navigation system: development and applicability in 65 patients undergoing liver surgery

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Imaging
• Hepatobiliary Surgery

Background:

• Image-guided navigation systems are emerging tools in liver surgery.
• This study evaluates indications for these systems in open oncologic liver resection, with or without microwave ablation.

Observation:

• A retrospective analysis of 65 patients (2009-2013) undergoing image-guided procedures was performed.
• System accuracy improved over three technological development phases (8.4±4.4 mm to 4.5±3.6 mm).
• Image guidance use shifted towards atypical resections and combined procedures as accuracy increased.

Findings:

• Image guidance is clinically feasible in liver surgery, with efficacy dependent on system accuracy.
• Increased accuracy led to broader application in complex liver resections and ablations.
• Previously untreatable scenarios like multiple bilobar or vanishing lesions are becoming accessible.

Implications:

• Image-guided systems enhance the efficiency and applicability of liver surgery for complex oncologic cases.
• Technological advancements in image guidance are expanding treatment options for challenging liver lesions.
• This technology holds promise for improving outcomes in selected liver cancer patients.