Advances in Real-Time Reconstruction of Deformable Tissues for Endoscopic Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Gaussian Splatting Techniques and Applications

Endoscopic imaging has become an indispensable tool in modern medical practice, enabling minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment. A crucial aspect of endoscopic procedures is the accurate reconstruction of the observed scene, which facilitates spatial understanding, surgical planning, and guidance. This comprehensive review delves into the latest advancements and applications of Gaussian splatting in endoscopic scene reconstruction. We explore the fundamental principles of this technique, examining how Gaussian kernels are utilized to fuse depth cues and generate detailed 3D models. Furthermore, we analyze the various refinements and extensions that have been proposed to enhance the performance and robustness of Gaussian splatting, addressing challenges such as occlusions, sparse data, and real-time processing. Through this comprehensive survey, we aim to provide researchers and medical professionals with a deep understanding of the state-of-the-art in Gaussian splatting for endoscopic scene reconstruction, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing endoscopic imaging and interventions.