The current and possible future role of 3D modelling within oesophagogastric surgery: a scoping review

Abstract

Background 3D reconstruction technology could revolutionise medicine. Within surgery, 3D reconstruction has a growing role in operative planning and procedures, surgical education and training as well as patient engagement. Whilst virtual and 3D printed models are already used in many surgical specialities, oesophagogastric surgery has been slow in their adoption. Therefore, the authors undertook a scoping review to clarify the current and future roles of 3D modelling in oesophagogastric surgery, highlighting gaps in the literature and implications for future research. Methods A scoping review protocol was developed using a comprehensive search strategy based on internationally accepted guidelines and tailored for key databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Elsevier Scopus and ISI Web of Science). This is available through the Open Science Framework (osf.io/ta789) and was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Included studies underwent screening and full text review before inclusion. A thematic analysis was performed using pre-determined overarching themes: (i) surgical training and education, (ii) patient education and engagement, and (iii) operative planning and surgical practice. Where applicable, subthemes were generated. Results A total of 56 papers were included. Most research was low-grade with 88% (n = 49) of publications at or below level III evidence. No randomised control trials or systematic reviews were found. Most literature (86%, n = 48) explored 3D reconstruction within operative planning. These were divided into subthemes of pre-operative (77%, n = 43) and intra-operative guidance (9%, n = 5). Few papers reported on surgical training and education (14%, n = 8), and were evenly subcategorised into virtual reality simulation (7%, n = 4) and anatomical teaching (7%, n = 4). No studies utilising 3D modelling for patient engagement and education were found. Conclusion The use of 3D reconstruction is in its infancy in oesophagogastric surgery. The quality of evidence is low and key themes, such as patient engagement and education, remain unexplored. Without high quality research evaluating the application and benefits of 3D modelling, oesophagogastric surgery may be left behind.

A Bibliometrics Analysis of Medical Internet of Things for Modern Healthcare

“…This allows patients to visually try out the medical devices to select the appropriate ones for their needs [35]. Furthermore, 3D models built in the Metaverse can empower doctors to gain a deeper knowledge of a patient's illness, leading to improved care and more precise treatments [36]. Additionally, medical researchers can leverage the Metaverse to create virtual (artificial) organs and assess their behaviors with simulation.…”

Metaverse for Healthcare: A Survey on Potential Applications, Challenges and Future Directions

“…Patients can view medical assistance products in 3D, allowing them to purchase the appropriate equipment [179]. The Metaverse's 3D modeling capabilities can assist doctors in gaining a deeper understanding of a patient's illness [180]. These findings will aid physicians in providing better care to patients and performing treatments more precisely.…”

Could tumour volume and major and minor axis based on CTA statistical anatomy improve the pre‐operative T‐stage in oesophageal cancer?

“…EUS is the preferred method for assessing T‐stage of oesophageal cancer with an accuracy between 70% and 90% 39 . However, EUS also has a high error rate, even more than 50% and a low accuracy at T1 and T2 stages, there examinations are costly, invasive and prone to sampling errors 14,38 . Therefore, the diagnosis of pre‐operative T‐staging of EC is key to treatment and survival for all patients 8 …”

“…39 However, EUS also has a high error rate, even more than 50% and a low accuracy at T1 and T2 stages, there examinations are costly, invasive and prone to sampling errors. 14,38 Therefore, the diagnosis of pre-operative T-staging of EC is key to treatment and survival for all patients. 8 In recent years, 3D reconstruction technology has developed rapidly, which is based on CTA or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, combined with computer technology and algorithms, comprehensively and revealing the location, 3D morphology and spatial relationships including arteries, veins, lymph nodes and normal organs surrounding the tumour.…”

“…8 In recent years, 3D reconstruction technology has developed rapidly, which is based on CTA or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, combined with computer technology and algorithms, comprehensively and revealing the location, 3D morphology and spatial relationships including arteries, veins, lymph nodes and normal organs surrounding the tumour. [11][12][13][14] Cai et al 13 used 3D reconstruction technology in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with lower oesophageal tumours, which plays an important role in the pre-operative assessment of the tumour and its adjacent lymph nodes. Xu et al, 37 the results of their study suggest that oesophageal tumour length and diameter determined by radiography are valuable prognostic factors for ESCC patients undergoing definitive (chemo)radiotherapy.…”