Omar Rodriguez-Acevedo, MBBS2, John W Read, FRANZCR1, Kristen E Elstner, MBBS, MS2, Nabeel Ibrahim, FRACS, FACS2. 1Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, Australia, 2Hernia Institute Australia, Edgecliff, Australia
Purpose: 3D Volume Rendering (3DVR) is a simple and widely available computer-based post-processing technique that can be used to generate photo-realistic panoramic images of the abdominal wall from computed tomography (CT) examinations either retrospectively or prospectively.
Methods: An illustrative series of clinical cases will be used to provide an introduction to the use of functional CT and pre-operative 3DVR for abdominal wall hernia assessment and the planning of an effective surgical repair.
Results: When coupled with a ‘functional’ approach to CT imaging of the abdominal wall, 3DVR can improve the surgeon’s understanding of abdominal wall defects including hernias, dysfunctional bulges/eventrations, muscle atrophy or denervation, and any associated skeletal changes that may be relevant to surgical planning. This technique can demonstrate incidental hernias not previously apparent on physical examination or standard CT scans (e.g. spigelian hernias, port site hernias, parastomal hernias). For the patient, 3DVR provides an easy-to-grasp understanding of the relevant abdominal wall anatomy, the nature of the problem at hand & the scale of the surgical challenge. Images of this kind can help the surgeon to more effectively manage unrealistic patient expectations or to explain dysfunctional bulges that do not require surgery.
Conclusion: A functional 3DVR approach to pre-operative imaging can provide the surgeon with a more complete understanding of any hernia defect and the relevant functional status of the abdominal wall muscles. This can be useful in planning the most effective pre-operative and intra-operative approach with a focus on improving patient outcomes.
Presented at the SAGES 2017 Annual Meeting in Houston, TX.
Abstract ID: 80055
Program Number: P021
Presentation Session: Poster (Non CME)
Presentation Type: Poster