The impact of virtual hepatectomy and computer-assisted risk analysis on surgical planning and intraoperative strategy for major hepatic resection

Objectives To evaluate the impact of virtual hepatectomy and computer-assisted risk analysis on surgical planning and intraoperative strategy for major hepatectomy.Methods Twentytwo consecutive patients (17 males and 5 females) were admitted to the hospital from January to December in 2010 for complicated major hepatectomy.CT scanning was performed with 64-MSCT.All the data of imaging were transferred to the Myrian(R) XP-Liver system (IntrasenseR,France).The following steps were undertaken by a radiologist and a surgeon majoring in liver surgery: step 1,image analysis and 3-D reconstruction; step 2,virtual resection and liver volumetry; step 3,computer-assisted risk analysis for hepatic dysfunction,followed by adjustment of the operative planning.Results The three-dimensional reconstruction models of the liver by the Myrian(R) XP-Liver system were visualized.The ideal simulation effect was achieved comparing the virtual imaging with the actual operation.Of the 22 patients who underwent complicated major hepatectomy,complete tumor removal (R0 resection) was achieved in 20 patients.There were 2 patients who received a R1 resection as microscopic tumor cells were found at the cutting margin of the right portal vein and bile duct.No patient died during the hospital stay.After computer-assisted risk analysis,the operative planning and surgical strategies were changed in 6 patients.Conclusions The application of the hepatic three-dimensional reconstruction and virtual hepatectomy using the Myrian(R) XP-Liver system provided important preoperative data for good preoperative planning and intraoperative strategy in complex hepatectomy. Key words: Hepatectomy; Three-dimensional reconstruction; Virtual resection; Risk analysis