Laparoscopic computer-navigated ablation of liver metastases
Abstract
Objective
In order to benefit from the obvious advantages of minimally invasive liver surgery there is a need
to develop high precision tools for intraoperative anatomical orientation, navigation and safety
control. In a pilot study we adapted a newly developed system for computer-assisted liver surgery
(CALS) in terms of accuracy and technical feasibility to the specific requirements of laparoscopy.
Here, we present practical aspects related to laparoscopic computer assisted liver surgery (LCALS).
Methods
Our video relates to a patient presenting with 3 colorectal liver metastases in Seg. II, III and IVa
who was selected in an appropriate oncological setting for LCALS using the CAScination system
combined with 3D MEVIS reconstruction. After minimal laparoscopic mobilization of the liver, a 4-
landmark registration method was applied to enable navigation. Placement of microwave needles
was performed using the targeting module of the navigation system and correct needle positioning
was confirmed by intraoperative sonography. Ablation of each lesion was carried out by
application of microwave energy at 100 Watts for 1 minute.
Results
To acquire an accurate (less 0.5 cm) registration, 4 registration cycles were necessary. In total,
seven minutes were required to accomplish precise registration. Successful ablation with complete
response in all treated areas was assessed by intraoperative sonography and confirmed by
postoperative CT scan.
Conclusions
This teaching video demonstrates the theoretical and practical key points of LCALS with a special
emphasis on preoperative planning, intraoperative registration and accuracy testing by
laparoscopic methodology. In contrast to mere ultrasound-guided ablation of liver lesions, LCALS
offers a more dimensional targeting and higher safety control. This is currently also in routine use
to treat vanishing lesions and other difficult to target focal lesions within the liver.
In order to benefit from the obvious advantages of minimally invasive liver surgery there is a need
to develop high precision tools for intraoperative anatomical orientation, navigation and safety
control. In a pilot study we adapted a newly developed system for computer-assisted liver surgery
(CALS) in terms of accuracy and technical feasibility to the specific requirements of laparoscopy.
Here, we present practical aspects related to laparoscopic computer assisted liver surgery (LCALS).
Methods
Our video relates to a patient presenting with 3 colorectal liver metastases in Seg. II, III and IVa
who was selected in an appropriate oncological setting for LCALS using the CAScination system
combined with 3D MEVIS reconstruction. After minimal laparoscopic mobilization of the liver, a 4-
landmark registration method was applied to enable navigation. Placement of microwave needles
was performed using the targeting module of the navigation system and correct needle positioning
was confirmed by intraoperative sonography. Ablation of each lesion was carried out by
application of microwave energy at 100 Watts for 1 minute.
Results
To acquire an accurate (less 0.5 cm) registration, 4 registration cycles were necessary. In total,
seven minutes were required to accomplish precise registration. Successful ablation with complete
response in all treated areas was assessed by intraoperative sonography and confirmed by
postoperative CT scan.
Conclusions
This teaching video demonstrates the theoretical and practical key points of LCALS with a special
emphasis on preoperative planning, intraoperative registration and accuracy testing by
laparoscopic methodology. In contrast to mere ultrasound-guided ablation of liver lesions, LCALS
offers a more dimensional targeting and higher safety control. This is currently also in routine use
to treat vanishing lesions and other difficult to target focal lesions within the liver.
Date Issued
2014
Publication Type
Conference Item
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Journal
Swiss knife
Publisher
Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Chirurgie SGC/SSC
ISSN
1661-1381
Access(Rights)
metadata.only