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Global practice patterns of preoperative image reconstruction for liver surgery
Elena Panettieri1, Eduardo A Vega2, Oscar Salirrosas2
1Department of Surgery, St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Fondazione "Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Global liver surgeons report experience with 3-D modeling, but adoption is limited. Senior surgeons, particularly in minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS), value 3-D modeling for reducing complications, encouraging its use among early-career professionals.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3-D) liver modeling is a globally recognized technique.
- Actual practice of 3-D liver modeling is concentrated in a limited number of specialized centers worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current practice patterns of 3-D liver modeling among liver surgeons globally.
- To identify the barriers hindering the widespread adoption of 3-D liver modeling in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- An online survey comprising 27 questions was distributed internationally.
- The survey was approved by the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association research council.
- Responses were collected from 235 surgeons across 46 countries, with incomplete submissions excluded.
Main Results:
- 81.3% of surveyed surgeons have experience with 3-D modeling, but only 21% utilize it in over 75% of cases.
- Surgeons with higher experience, particularly in minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS), and those at academic facilities, more frequently use 3-D reconstruction.
- The primary indications for 3-D modeling were liver volumetry (80.1%), with reduced postoperative complications being the most cited benefit (53.6%).
Conclusions:
- Greater experience in liver surgery, including seniority and case volume, correlates with a higher perceived value of 3-D modeling.
- Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) experience is linked to increased adoption of 3-D modeling.
- Senior surgeons should mentor early-career professionals on the benefits of 3-D modeling for potentially reducing complications.
