Laparoscopic lymph node dissection for gastric cancer with intraoperative navigation using three-dimensional angio computed tomography images reconstructed as laparoscopic view.
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic extended lymph node dissection for gastric cancer is difficult to perform because it requires dissection with preservation of vessels. Therefore, an intraoperative navigation system for the angioarchitecture would be helpful. Recent enhanced volume-rendering computed tomography (CT) can produce clear intraluminal three-dimensional (3D) images. This advanced radiological technology can provide 3D angiographic images reconstructed in the same view as would be observed from a laparoscope inserted into the abdominal cavity. We report our experience with laparoscopic gastrectomy with radical lymph node dissection using this advanced radiological technology.


METHODS
3D CT angiographic images from the celiac axis to the proper hepatic artery were reconstructed in two ways preoperatively. The first was only 3D angiographic images that were reconstructed as the laparoscopic view (LapView 3D CT angiography). The second was LapView 3D CT angiography with images of the body of the pancreas, which was more useful for intraoperative navigation in comprehensing anatomy. Two monitors were placed over the shoulder of the patient during surgery. One monitor, which was controlled by the image mixer, projected the laparoscopic images with picture in picture of 3D CT angiographic images. The surgeon performed the surgery with reference to this monitor during lymph node dissection.


RESULTS
3D angiographic CT clearly showed all vessels of interest in laparoscopic lymph node dissection for gastric cancer in 10 cases. The anatomy of vessels appeared as if looking beyond visible surface. LapView 3D CT angiography was useful for laparoscopic navigation surgery.
Takiguchi
S
S
Department of Surgery and Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0876, Japan. taky@surg2.med.osaka-u.ac.jp
Sekimoto
M
M
Fujiwara
Y
Y
Yasuda
T
T
Yano
M
M
Hori
M
M
Murakami
T
T
Nakamura
H
H
Monden
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D008328:Man-Machine Systems; D008875:Middle Aged; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000379:methods*; D013270:Stomach / Q000098:blood supply; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*