BackgroundThe objective of this work is to evaluate a new concept of intraoperative three-dimensional (3D) visualization system to support hepatectomy. The Resection Map aims to provide accurate cartography for surgeons, who can therefore anticipate risks, increase their confidence and achieve safer liver resection.MethodsIn an experimental prospective cohort study, ten consecutive patients admitted for hepatectomy to three European hospitals were selected. Liver structures (portal veins, hepatic veins, tumours and parenchyma) were segmented from a recent computed tomography (CT) study of each patient. The surgeon planned the resection preoperatively and read the Resection Map as reference guidance during the procedure. Objective (amount of bleeding, tumour resection margin and operating time) and subjective parameters were retrieved after each case.ResultsThree different surgeons operated on seven patients with the navigation aid of the Resection Map. Veins displayed in the Resection Map were identified during the surgical procedure in 70.1% of cases, depending mainly on size. Surgeons were able to track resection progress and experienced improved orientation and increased confidence during the procedure.ConclusionsThe Resection Map is a pragmatic solution to enhance the orientation and confidence of the surgeon. Further studies are needed to demonstrate improvement in patient safety.

Virtual reality simulators need haptic devices with force feedback capability if tissue consistency information is to be delivered. On the other hand, the visual haptics concept has been associated with a kind of tactile memory developed by surgical experience.

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Availability of YR laparoscopic simulation for surgical training has increased significantly. Nevertheless, few studies have explored such simulators' requirements and the degree of fidelity necessary to provide effective educational tools. The authors aim to identify which didactic resources available in YR simulation technologies are most important for laparoscopic training.

Objective To propose a new concept of an intra-operative 3D visualisation system to support hepatectomies. This system aims at improving the transfer of pre-operative planning into the intra-operative stage, both in laparoscopic and open approaches. Materials and methods User (surgeon) centred developmental process to identify the surgical requirements is applied. The surgical workflow of hepatectomy is analyzed, including observations of liver surgeries and focus group sessions. Based on this analysis, specifications for the "Resection Map" are defined. A first implementation is developed, and preliminary clinical acceptance results are gathered. Results Control of main veins and tumour margins are the two critical aspects. The "Resection Map" provides an intuitive visualisation of structures nearby the resection plane without any registration to the patient space.

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