The use of virtual reality for the functional simulation of hepatic tumors (case control study).

Objective: To develop a technique for converting computed tomography (CT) data into a fully three-dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) environment. Preoperative simulation in 3D VR facilitates liver resection owing to the ability to view the tumor and its relative vessels.

Methods: 3D-reconstruction of the liver was restored from spiral CT data by using LiVirtue software and the Dextrobeam (Volume Interactions Pte Ltd, Singapore) was applied to view this 3D model in the VR environment. In order to design a rational plan of operation, the liver and its anatomic structure were reconstructed to illuminate the location of the tumor and its related vessels.

Results: In our series of 38 hepatic resections, there was no significant difference between preoperatively calculated volumes of virtual resection part and actual volumes of resected specimen's weight. The LiVirtue can provide accurate and rapid results of individual hepatic volume and the character of anatomy structures. These models can be viewed and manipulated in the VR environment and on a personal computer. This preoperative simulation allowed surgeons to dissect the liver with reduced complications. Preoperative planning and intra-operative navigation based on this technique ensured the safety of liver resection.

Conclusions: 3D models of the liver and its detailed structure articulate the possibility of intricate liver resection and the risk of the operation. This preoperative estimation from a 3D model of the liver benefits complicated liver resections greatly.