OBJECTIVETo study the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the lung and its vasculature in virtual surgery for lung cancer.

METHODSFrom May 2015 to August 2015, 24 patients with non-small cell lung cancer underwent surgical treatment in our department. The patients were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (12 in each group). For the patients in the experimental group, 3D models were reconstructed by surface rendering based on thoracic CT scanning data using Mimics software on a personal computer, and manipulations of the structures were simulated on the models before the operation. For the patients in the control group, surgeries were performed according to the conventional scheme. The operation time, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were compared between the two groups.

RESULTSThe 3D models of lung cancer consisting of the thoracic bone, lungs, tumor, tracheobronchial tree, and pulmonary vessels were reconstructed successfully. The models had highly geometrical similarity and offered excellent 3D view of the morphological characteristics of the tumor and the spatial relationship between the adjacent structures. The models allowed editing and provided vivid view during the simulated operation of tumor excision to facilitate individualized surgical planning and reduce the surgery risks. All the patients underwent tumor resection smoothly without perioperative death or incidences of postoperative hemorrhage or infection. The operation time was significantly shorter in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05) but the blood loss and postoperative hospital stay were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONThe individualized lung cancer modeling can facilitate the evaluation of preoperative risks and allows for more accurate surgical planning.