Objective: To evaluate a new method to plan the incisions of thoracic surgical operation with robot using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques.
Methods: Three-dimensional reconstruction techniques were used to reconstruct the chest CT of patients with the software OSIRIX (APPLE®). Tumor location, size and relationship with the vein and artery were unambiguously obtained. The location of the incision was predetermined prior to the surgery. The operation time, set up time and work time were evaluated to assess the efficacy of this preplanning methodology.
Results: A total of 4 cases are reported here. Tumors of different homogeneities were assessed, located in a 3D mode, and preplanned incisions successfully made to perform the procedure. This resulted in overall reduction of operation time and also provided effective visualization of the tumor during surgery.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that this method can show the location of tumor, help in planning of appropriate incisions and define 3D anatomical relationships.
Keywords: Da Vinci; Three dimensional reconstruction; minimal invasive surgery; surgical operation with robot; thoracic surgery.