Exploring the Metaverse in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery: A Case Report

This case report explores the practical applications of the metaverse in the field of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, specifically focusing on the integration of 3D image reconstruction, Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), and the Da Vinci surgical robot. These novel and diverse technologies collectively meet the technical needs for formulating precise and personalized treatment plans for patients. Method: We selected a challenging case of hepatic hemangioma for this study. In this case, the surgeon utilized 3D image reconstruction to visualize the patient's liver anatomy, employed AR technology for preoperative communication with the patient, real-time surgical guidance, and postoperative care, as well as used the Da Vinci surgical robot to provide higher surgical precision. Results: The metaverse technologies played a crucial role in enhancing surgical accuracy, reducing the risk of postoperative complications, and shortening the patient's hospital stay. Conclusion: This report aims to demonstrate the significant value of the metaverse and its associated technologies in improving outcomes in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery through a detailed analysis of an actual case. We hope that this innovative technology will promote the development of hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery and provide patients with safer, more effective, and more personalized treatment options.