AB003. SOH25_AB_176. Use of artificial intelligence and the Unreal Engine gaming platform in demonstrating surgical pathology: a case of lumbar hernia repair

Background: A 69-year-old lady presented with an incisional lumbar hernia following spinal surgery and underwent laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair. Lumbar hernias are a rare clinical presentation and therefore, pre-operative planning poses a challenge. Medical imaging techniques are constantly evolving to produce higher definition illustrations of human anatomy. These advancements are revolutionising accessible anatomy for educational purposes, but also for operative planning.

Methods: An artificial intelligence (AI) supported application was developed to create a three dimensionsal (3D) reconstruction of the lumbar hernia from computed tomography imaging. The reconstructed images depicted the precise anatomical abnormalities implicated in this case. Reconstructions were then hosted on the Atlas gaming platform (Unreal Engine) to enable navigation and exploration. Adobe Premiere Pro was used to amalgamate 3D reconstructions and a video recording of the laparoscopic TEP lumbar hernia repair.

Results: A 7-minute video was compiled to demonstrate the precise anatomy of the lumbar hernia using the 3D reconstruction in the Atlas platform, and the laparoscopic TEP repair of same.

Conclusions: The development of 3D reconstructions of radiological imaging represents a novel method of anatomical education, for patients and students alike. Additionally, hosting reconstructions on the Atlas platform provided a novel opportunity for pre-operative planning for complex surgical presentations.

Keywords: Three dimensionsal reconstruction of radiological imaging (3D reconstruction of radiological imaging); artificial intelligence (AI); operative planning; anatomy education; lumbar hernia