Mixed reality three dimensional visualization facilitates repair of posterior urethral rupture after pelvic fracture

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of mixed-reality 3D visualization technology in ensuring the accurate diagnosis of and improving the efficacy of surgical treatment for PFUI. METHODS: Thirty-two PFUI patients were included in this prospective study, all of whom underwent routine urethroscopy, X-ray retrograde urethrogram and CT urethrogram. We imported each patient’s CT images into the mixed-reality 3D reconstruction software we developed to generate a mixed-reality 3D visualization model to clearly observe the anatomical structure of the urethra as well as the urethral stricture and its relationship with the pubic symphysis and rectum. The clinical data of 32 controls were used for comparative assessment of the correlation between different diagnostic methods and other surgical simulation tools, and a questionnaire survey was administered to evaluate the effectiveness of mixed-reality technology in surgical planning and patient education. RESULTS: Mixed reality 3D visualization models were successfully constructed for 32 PFUI patients. Compared with the control group, the mixed reality technology group showed an average operative time reduction of about 12 minutes, although this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05); No statistically significant differences in the intraoperative blood loss volume or postoperative complication rates were observed (P > 0.05). The questionnaire survey revealed that residents generally agreed that mixed reality 3D visualization technology was beneficial for not only observing the relationship between the urethra and its adjacent structures and therefore allowing a comprehensive assessment but also for providing more intuitive and effective patient education. CONCLUSION: Mixed reality 3D visualization technology is beneficial for accurately diagnosing and planning surgical treatment for PFUI.