OBJECTIVETo study the value of digital medical technology in diagnosis and treatment of the hepatolithiasis.

METHODS64-slice spiral computer tomography (CT) scan data of 14 cases (11 female, 3 male; median age, 48 years) with hepatolithiasis admitted from February to September 2008 were collected. The data were imported into medical image proceeding system (MIPS) for sequence segmenting and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction. The reconstructed models were imported into FreeForm Modeling System for performing simulation surgery with simulation surgical instruments. According to the results of 3D reconstruction and simulation surgery, reasonable operation strategies were chosen. Finally, the value of clinical application of simulation surgery was evaluated according to the findings of clinical operation on hepatolithiasis patients and postoperative T-tube angiography.

RESULTSThe 3D reconstructed models of 14 cases with hepatolithiasis revealed 7 cases of left liver hepatolithiasis, 2 cases of right liver hepatolithiasis, 5 cases of bilateral hepatolithiasis, including 6 cases of hepatolithiasis with common bile duct calculi, 6 cases of biliary system models with absolute stricture, 8 cases with relative stricture. The results were of agreement with clinical diagnosis. A variety of operation plans were simulated before operation. Simulation equipment used in process of simulation surgery was a powerful sense of feedback.

CONCLUSIONSDigital medical technology is helpful to understand the calculi distribution, bile ducts stricture and deformity. Through preoperative training, simulation surgery are able to guide for choosing operative strategies. It reduces the operation risks.