Deep learning-based vessel and nerve recognition model for lateral lymph node dissection: a retrospective feasibility study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer is challenging because of the presence of blood vessels and nerves essential for postoperative genitourinary function and leg movements. Identifying these structures during surgery is crucial. We developed a deep learning-based semantic segmentation model to recognize and visualize critical anatomical structures during laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection automatically.

Methods

Intraoperative video data from laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissections performed on 22 patients between 2018 and 2021 were used. Specific scenes from the beginning to end of the procedures were extracted and divided into still images, which were annotated to delineate the external iliac artery, external iliac vein, and obturator nerve.

SUBMITTER: Sasaki S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12559106 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature