PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Use of virtual reality to navigate open and endoscopic surgery has significantly evolved during the last decade. Current status of seven most interesting projects inside the European Association of Urology section of uro-technology is summarized with review of literature.
RECENT FINDINGS: Marker-based endoscopic tracking during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using high-definition technology reduces positive margins. Marker-based endoscopic tracking during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by mechanical overlay of three-dimensional-segmented virtual anatomy is helpful during planning of trocar placement and dissection of renal hilum. Marker-based, iPAD-assisted puncture of renal collecting system shows more benefit for trainees with reduction of radiation exposure. Three-dimensional laser-assisted puncture of renal collecting system using Uro-Dyna-CT realized in an ex-vivo model enables minimal radiation time. Electromagnetic tracking for puncture of renal collecting system using a sensor at the tip of ureteral catheter worked in an in-vivo model of porcine ureter and kidney. Attitude tracking for ultrasound-guided puncture of renal tumours by accelerometer reduces the puncture error from 4.7 to 1.8 mm. Feasibility of electromagnetic and optical tracking with the da Vinci telemanipulator was shown in vitro as well as using in-vivo model of oesophagectomy. Target registration error was 11.2 mm because of soft-tissue deformation.
SUMMARY: Intraoperative navigation is helpful during percutaneous puncture collecting system and biopsy of renal tumour using various tracking techniques. Early clinical studies demonstrate advantages of marker-based navigation during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and partial nephrectomy. Combination of different tracking techniques may further improve this interesting addition to video-assisted surgery.
Written by:
Rassweiler J, Rassweiler MC, Müller M, Kenngott H, Meinzer HP, Teber D; ESUT Expert Group Are you the author?
Department of Urology, SLK Kliniken Heilbronn, University of Heidelberg bDepartment of Urology, Medical School Mannheim, University of Heidelberg cDivision of Medical and Biological Informatics, German Cancer Research Center dDepartment of Surgery eDepartment of Urology, Medical School Heidelberg, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
Reference: Curr Opin Urol. 2014 Jan;24(1):81-97
doi: 10.1097/MOU.0000000000000014
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24280651
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