A Novel Three-Dimensional Stereoscopic Navigation System for Laparoscopic Anatomic Liver Resection

Compared to viewing three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed images in a planar format, visualizing them in stereoscopic 3D using virtual reality technology enables intuitive and rapid recognition of spatial relationships. 3D stereoscopic navigation systems are expected to enhance the safety of liver resection by facilitating the precise localization of tumors and blood vessels. We recently introduced a novel 3D stereoscopic navigation system that allows real-time stereoscopic display of 3D simulations from any directional view selected by the attending surgeons during procedures. No reports have described the surgical advantages of the 3D stereoscopic navigation system in laparoscopic liver resection. In the present study, we retrospectively analyzed the usefulness of this novel 3D stereoscopic navigation system during laparoscopic anatomic liver resection (LALR).

Forty-four patients who underwent LALR from January 2021 to September 2023 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups, each comprising 22 patients who underwent surgery with or without the current 3D stereoscopic navigation system. To determine the advantages of the navigation system, the perioperative surgical results and accuracy of the excised liver volume were compared between the two groups.

The patients' characteristics were not significantly different between the two groups. The estimated blood loss volume in the group with 3D stereoscopic navigation was significantly lower than that in the group without 3D stereoscopic navigation (118 vs. 218 mL, respectively; p = 0.048). There were no significant differences in the other surgical results between the two groups.

The use of this novel 3D stereoscopic navigation system reduces intraoperative blood loss and facilitates precise anatomical identification during LALR.