Efficacy of DynaCT for surgical navigation during complex laparoscopic surgery: an initial experience

Abstract

Background: Precise understanding of surgical anatomy is required during complex laparoscopic surgery (CLS). The purpose of this study was to present our initial operative experience with CLS facilitated by surgical navigation through DynaCT technology.

Methods: Intraoperative computed tomography (CT) images of two CLS cases were obtained by a C-arm DynaCT system (Artis Zeego, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). Image reconstruction was performed on a workstation to define particular anatomical structures of the target tumor. The reconstructed CT images were repeatedly displayed on a submonitor. The surgeon then compared the CT images with a laparoscopic image of the surgical field, thus providing a virtual map to the surgeon.

Results: Using the near-real-time surgical navigation system, the surgeon could visualize the surgical anatomy and easily perform the CLS. All procedures were performed successfully with a satisfactory diagnostic yield.

Conclusion: This novel technology has great potential for application in CLS because it enables generation of accurate depictions of small target tumors and increases the surgeon's confidence during the procedure.