Practical Contribution of Virtual Hepatectomy for Colorectal Liver Metastases: a Propensity-Matched Analysis of Clinical Outcome

Background Recent improvements in imaging technologies have enabled surgeons to perform precise planning using virtual hepatectomy (VH). However, the practical and clinical benefits of VH remain unclear. This study sought to assess how three-dimensional analysis using a VH contributed to preoperative planning and postoperative outcome in patients undergoing liver surgery for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Methods From 2007 to 2017, a total of 473 CRLM patients who received curative hepatectomy were retrospectively assessed. A 1:1 matched propensity analysis was performed between patients who did not receive a VH (without 3D group: n = 188) and received a VH (3D(+) group: n = 285). Result The rate of VH increased over the study period ( P