3-D reconstruction of hepatic neoplasms: a preoperative planning procedure

Three-dimensional display of intrahepatic vascular structures, tumour(s) and liver surface offers the possibility of perceiving the complex individual anatomy in a coherent fashion. Since this presentation of anatomical structures can be varied at will, the resulting interactive dynamic display of the 3-D data sets can be considered an example of Virtual Reality; the surgeon experiences the interactive 3-D display as a realistic presentation of the patient's surgical anatomy. Three-dimensional display offers the possibility of planning a specific resection in detail, tailored to the individual anatomy. The benefits and problems of various surgical approaches can be worked out in detail, and potential hazardous phases in the operation can be anticipated, thus minimizing unexpected complications. However, because the generation of detailed 3-D renderings takes considerable time investment by an experienced operator it is important to select patients, in whom such an effort is warranted. In our experience, 3-D display of the liver is most likely to be of benefit in the presence of central tumours, or if segmental resections are considered.