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Accurate surgical navigation with real-time tumor tracking in cancer surgery
Esther N D Kok1, Roeland Eppenga1, Koert F D Kuhlmann1
11Department of Surgical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
In the past decades, image-guided surgery has evolved rapidly. In procedures with a relatively fixed target area, like neurosurgery and orthopedics, this has led to improved patient outcomes. In cancer surgery, intraoperative guidance could be of great benefit to secure radical resection margins since residual disease is associated with local recurrence and poor survival. However, most tumor lesions are mobile with a constantly changing position. Here, we present an innovative technique for real-time tumor tracking in cancer surgery. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of real-time tumor tracking during rectal cancer surgery. The application of real-time tumor tracking using an intraoperative navigation system is feasible and safe with a high median target registration accuracy of 3 mm. This technique allows oncological surgeons to obtain real-time accurate information on tumor location, as well as critical anatomical information. This study demonstrates that real-time tumor tracking is feasible and could potentially decrease positive resection margins and improve patient outcome.
Insights
Real-time tumor tracking in cancer surgery is feasible and safe. This innovative navigation technique provides accurate tumor location, potentially reducing positive resection margins and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Computer-Assisted Surgery
Background:
- Image-guided surgery has advanced significantly, improving outcomes in fixed-target procedures.
- Intraoperative guidance is crucial in cancer surgery to achieve radical resection and prevent recurrence.
- Mobile tumor lesions present a challenge for conventional surgical navigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of real-time tumor tracking in rectal cancer surgery.
- To assess the accuracy of an intraoperative navigation system for tracking mobile tumors.
- To determine the potential impact of real-time tracking on surgical margins and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of an innovative real-time tumor tracking technique.
- Utilizing an intraoperative navigation system during rectal cancer surgery.
- Evaluation of target registration accuracy and surgical safety.
Main Results:
- Real-time tumor tracking is feasible and safe in rectal cancer surgery.
- The median target registration accuracy achieved was 3 mm.
- The technique provides oncological surgeons with real-time tumor and critical anatomical information.
Conclusions:
- Real-time tumor tracking using intraoperative navigation is a safe and feasible technique.
- This technology offers accurate intraoperative guidance for mobile tumors.
- Potential to decrease positive resection margins and enhance patient outcomes in cancer surgery.
