From 3D Virtual Planning to Precision Surgery: Advanced Visualization and Parenchymal-Sparing Strategies in Complex Oncologic Surgery

The increasing integration of advanced imaging, computational technologies and three-dimensional visualization is transforming the planning and the execution of complex oncologic surgery. Patient-specific 3D rendering allows detailed visualization of tumors, vessels, ducts and surrounding anatomical structures, providing surgeons with a spatial representation that may complement conventional two-dimensional imaging.This is particularly relevant in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, where the complex anatomy and the need to balance oncological radicality with preservation of functional parenchyma represent major surgical challenges. 3D technologies may facilitate individualized surgical planning, volumetric assessment, virtual simulation of resection strategies and identification of critical anatomical structures, potentially supporting more precise and parenchymal-sparing procedures.Similar concepts are increasingly being explored in other fields of oncological surgery, including renal, thoracic and thyroid surgery, particularly in procedures such as partial nephrectomy, anatomical segmentectomy or intrathoracic goiter.The integration of 3D visualization with minimally invasive and robotic surgery, augmented reality, intraoperative navigation and artificial intelligence may further extend its clinical applications.This Research Topic aims to explore the role of advanced 3D visualization as a tool for precision oncologic surgery, with particular emphasis on its potential to facilitate individualized surgical planning and parenchymal preservation. We seek to examine the clinical research regarding the evolution from patient-specific anatomical reconstruction and virtual surgical planning to intraoperative navigation and image-guided surgery.Particular interest will be given to studies evaluating whether 3D-based technologies can translate into improved technical accuracy, preservation of functional parenchyma, perioperative outcomes and oncological results. Contributions addressing technological developments are also encouraged when supported by clinical, experimental or patient-based validation.Ultimately, this topic aims to clarify the potential for these technologies to move beyond experimental applications and highly specialized applications and become reproducible, accessible and clinically applicable tools in routine oncologic surgical practice.● 3D anatomical reconstruction, segmentation, rendering, volumetry and virtual planning in oncologic surgery● Parenchymal-sparing liver and pancreatic surgery, including complex and minimally invasive resections● 3D guided renal, thoracic and thyroid surgery, including partial nephrectomy and anatomical lung segmentation● Integration of 3D visualization with robotic surgery, augmented reality, virtual reality and intraoperative navigation● Artificial intelligence and automated segmentation applied to patient-specific surgical planning● Clinical, oncological, functional and patient-reported outcomes associated with 3D-guided surgery● Validation, standardization, reproducibility, implementation and cost-effectiveness of 3D technologies in clinical practicePlease note: Manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics, computational analysis, or predictions of public databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent clinical or patient cohort, or biological validation in vitro or in vivo, which are not based on public databases) are not suitable for publication in this journal.Topic Editor Felix J. Hüttner is a co-founder and shareholder of Eviglance AG. The remaining Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to this Research Topic. Topic editors: Christian Cotsoglou, Spiros Delis, Felix J Hüttner Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85219/from-3d-virtual-planning-to-precision-surgery-advanced-visualization-and-parenchymal-sparing-strategies-in-complex-oncologic-surgery