Published online May 7, 2018. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i17.1911
Peer-review started: March 7, 2018
First decision: March 21, 2018
Revised: April 2, 2018
Accepted: April 9, 2018
Article in press: April 9, 2018
Published online: May 7, 2018
Processing time: 60 Days and 6.5 Hours
To explore the value of three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology in the minimally invasive treatment for infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP).
Clinical data of 18 patients with INP, who were admitted to the PLA General Hospital in 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. Two-dimensional images of computed tomography were converted into 3D images based on 3D visualization technology. The size, number, shape and position of lesions and their relationship with major abdominal vasculature were well displayed. Also, percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) number and puncture paths were designed through virtual surgery (percutaneous nephroscopic necrosectomy) based on the principle of maximum removal of infected necrosis conveniently.
Abdominal 3D visualization images of all the patients were well reconstructed, and the optimal PCD puncture paths were well designed. Infected necrosis was conveniently removed in abundance using a nephroscope during the following surgery, and the median operation time was 102 (102 ± 20.7) min. Only 1 patient underwent endoscopic necrosectomy because of residual necrosis.
The 3D visualization technology could optimize the PCD puncture paths, improving the drainage effect in patients with INP. Moreover, it significantly increased the efficiency of necrosectomy through the rigid nephroscope. As a result, it decreased operation times and improved the prognosis.
Core tip: As a lethal disease, infected necrotizing pancreatitis is gradually treated by minimally invasive surgery. Percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) is the prerequisite of various minimally invasive treatment, which has been of great significance for prognosis of the disease. In this study, three-dimensional (3D) visualization technology was used preoperatively to optimize the puncture position and direction of PCD path. As a result, it improved the drainage effect and increased the efficiency of subsequent necrosectomy. So, the 3D visualization technology was great help for the prognosis of infected necrotizing pancreatitis.