Intraoperative imaging and visualization

Background. Surgical oncology is an important pillar of interdisciplinary cancer treatment. The intraoperative visualization of tumors and critical structures along with functional tissue parameters is an important basis for precise surgical treatment and thus for the optimization of patient outcome. Objective. The aim of this article was to compile the latest technological developments with particular relevance to intraoperative imaging and visualization. Methods. Medical and technical experts with experience in computer-assisted surgery identified four research areas with a high potential for sustainably improving surgical oncology: (1) functional imaging based on biophotonics, (2) multimodal data visualization through augmented reality, (3) reproducible imaging by means of robotics, and (4) context-aware visualization based on surgical data science. Results. Recent publications exemplify the high potential of the four subject areas presented. Conclusion. Future research should focus on optimizing robustness and integrability into the surgical workflow.