[Virtual reality in liver surgery-Planning, advanced training, testing]

Anatomical structures of the liver could be reconstructed three dimensionally from preoperative cross-sectional imaging for over 20 years. This three-dimensional (3D) representation not only optimizes the preoperative planning options but also the communication of specific operation-relevant structures can be improved using 3D models. In addition to a plastic and interactive visualization of 3D organ models, the disruptive technology of virtual reality (VR) can also provide a possibility for structured training and further education regarding surgical anatomy of the liver and operation planning. This makes examinations in virtual reality also seem tangible. The latest prototypes even enable patient-specific simulation of intraoperative sonography. This review article provides an overview of the current status of available technologies for training and further education using VR exemplified by liver surgery.