Ahmed F, Jahagirdar V, Gudapati S, Mouchli M. Three-dimensional visualization and virtual reality simulation role in hepatic surgery: Further research warranted. World J Gastrointest Surg 2022; 14(7): 723-726 [PMID: 36158284 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v14.i7.723]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Faiza Ahmed, BSc, MD, MSc, Instructor, Research Scientist, Senior Researcher, Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Larkin Community Hospital, 7031 SW 62nd Ave, South Miami, FL 33143, United States. dr.faiza.ahmed11@gmail.com
Research Domain of This Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Article-Type of This Article
Letter to the Editor
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Faiza Ahmed, Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, FL 33143, United States
Vinay Jahagirdar, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
Sravya Gudapati, Department of Gastroenterology, The Illinois Center for Digestive and Liver Health, Chicago, IL 60660, United States
Mohamad Mouchli, Department of Gastroenterology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, United States
Author contributions: All authors contributed to the conception, writing, and review of the article and approved the submitted version.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Faiza Ahmed, BSc, MD, MSc, Instructor, Research Scientist, Senior Researcher, Division of Clinical and Translational Research, Larkin Community Hospital, 7031 SW 62nd Ave, South Miami, FL 33143, United States. dr.faiza.ahmed11@gmail.com
Received: January 17, 2022 Peer-review started: January 17, 2022 First decision: March 12, 2022 Revised: April 5, 2022 Accepted: June 23, 2022 Article in press: June 23, 2022 Published online: July 27, 2022 Processing time: 190 Days and 9.5 Hours
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the study of algorithms that enable machines to analyze and execute cognitive activities including problem solving, object and word recognition, reduce the inevitable errors to improve the diagnostic accuracy, and decision-making. Hepatobiliary procedures are technically complex and the use of AI in perioperative management can improve patient outcomes as discussed below. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of images obtained via ultrasound, computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, can help surgeons better visualize the surgical sites with added depth perception. Pre-operative 3D planning is associated with lesser operative time and intraoperative complications. Also, a more accurate assessment is noted, which leads to fewer operative complications. Images can be converted into physical models with 3D printing technology, which can be of educational value to students and trainees. 3D images can be combined to provide 3D visualization, which is used for preoperative navigation, allowing for more precise localization of tumors and vessels. Nevertheless, AI enables surgeons to provide better, personalized care for each patient.
Core Tip: One of the applications of artificial intelligence in hepato-biliary and pancreatic surgery is to generate three-dimensional (3D) imaging, models, and virtual reality for preoperative planning. 3D visualization and navigation can facilitate identification of the exact location of tumors and vessels, reducing vascular injury, operative time, and postoperative complications, thereby leading to better patient outcomes. Upcoming surgeons and students can utilize 3D models and virtual reality to gain expertise in the field of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery and share their experiences with their peers.
