title: Application of a visible simulation surgery technique in preoperation planning for intrahepatic calculi.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate a visible simulation surgery technique for choosing the best surgical plan in patients with intrahepatic calculi.
  
  
  METHODS
  A medical image processing system was used to process computed tomography (CT) scanning data collected from four cases of intrahepatic calculi. Models of liver and bile ducts in standard template library format were processed by a free-form modeling system and reconstructed three-dimensionally. Accurate digital information about the bile duct system, lesions, calculi distribution, and adjacent organs from all directions, multiple angles, and multi-strata were used to choose the best surgical plan. Then, visible simulation surgery was performed with simulation operation software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three-dimensionally reconstructed models provide clarity with strong relief perception and a user-friendly interface. Visible simulation surgery performed based on three-dimensionally reconstructed models led to optimal operation planning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Visible simulation surgery is more objective and complete than routine preoperative examinations to choose the best operation plan for intrahepatic calculi.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhu Jiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guang Zhou, Guang Dong, 510282, China. Fangch_dr@126.com
authors.forename: Chi Hua
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: Ao Wen
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Xie
authors.forename: Mian Ling
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yan Peng
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: Chao Min
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Xiao Feng
authors.initials: XF
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Jia Hui
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Feng Ping
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Peng
mesh_terms: D001653:Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D042882:Gallstones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014584:User-Computer Interface