Benefits of lung modeling by high-quality three-dimensional computed tomography for thoracoscopic surgery

Although video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become widely used as a less invasive therapeutic procedure for lung cancer, precise anatomical knowledge of each case remains crucial and greatly contributes to the safety of thoracoscopic surgery. Thus, the development of three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology is anticipated to provide surgeons with essential visualized information of anatomical structures. In this review, we evaluate the pragmatic features of 3D imaging technology for thoracoscopic lung cancer surgery, focusing on complicated surgeries and preoperative evaluation of pulmonary functions or tumor features. We also discuss 3D imaging software and the applications of the 3D image analysis system. Finally, we present our perspectives on the 3D imaging technology for thoracoscopic surgery.