Application of holographic imaging in partial nephrectomy: a literature review

The aim of the present review was to evaluate the role of holographic imaging and its visualization techniques in providing more detailed and intuitive anatomy of the surgical area and assist in the precise implementation of surgery.

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for literature on the application of holographic imaging in partial nephrectomy (PN), and the history, development, application in PN as well as the future direction were reviewed.

A total of 304 papers that met the search requirements were included and summarized. Over the past decade, holographic imaging has been increasingly used for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation in PN. At present, the intraoperative guidance method of overlapping and tracking virtual three dimensional images on endoscopic view in an augmented reality environment is generally recognized. This method is helpful for selective clamping, the localization of endophytic tumors, and the fine resection of complex renal hilar tumors. Preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation with holographic imaging are helpful in reducing warm ischemia time, preserving more normal parenchyma, and reducing serious complications.

Holographic image-guided surgery is a promising technology, and future directions include artificial intelligence modeling, automatic registration, and tracking.