Progress in application of three-dimensional imaging technique in complex hepatobiliary surgery

Hepatobiliary surgery is considered to be technically challenging because of complex intrahepatic and perihilar anatomical structures and variations.Nowadays, three-dimensional imaging technique plays an important role in the time of precise liver surgery.Three-dimensional images depict the spatial location of tumor, and the course, confluence pattern and variation of portal vein, hepatic artery, biliary system and hepatic vein distinctly while showing involved hepatic segments and the relationship with adjacent vessels from omnidirectional view, measuring the length of margin and future remnant liver.With the help of surgical simulation, surgeons can determine the significant vessels preoperatively.The application of three-dimensional imaging technique may improve the resectability and safety of complex hepatobiliary surgery, such as hilar cholangiocarcinoma, centrally located liver tumor, hepatolithiasis and living donor liver transplantation.Meanwhile, three-dimensional visualization facilitates the unders