MOJ
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Case Report Volume 14 Issue 3
Easy and Low-cost Three-dimensional renal immersive visualization from contrast-enhanced CT
Jose Carlos Arroyo Kuribreña
Received: September 10, 2026 | Published: November 4, 2026
Citation: Kuribreña JCA. Easy and Low-cost Three-dimensional renal immersive visualization from contrast-enhanced CT. MOJ Surg. 2026;14(3):110-113. DOI: 10.15406/mojs.2026.14.00324
Abstract
Background: The widespread use of CT imaging has increased the detection of incidental renal masses. Partial nephrectomy is technically demanding, particularly in anatomically complex tumors, where spatial understanding is essential. Three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and immersive visualization may support anatomical interpretation, but commercial platforms can be expensive. Objective: To describe a low-cost workflow for renal 3D reconstruction from contrastenhanced CT scans and immersive visualization using an affordable virtual reality (VR) headset, and to report its preliminary clinical application. Methods: This initial technical report describes a preliminary experience in three consecutive patients undergoing partial nephrectomy for localized renal cancer, without a comparator group. Contrast-enhanced CT scans were segmented using 3D Slicer®, and the models were viewed with an Oculus Quest 2® headset. Three urologists reviewed the models preoperatively and, after surgery, assessed subjective perceived spatial understanding, intraoperative orientation and usefulness for surgical planning through an ad hoc questionnaire. Results: Models depicting renal anatomy and tumor location were generated for all three cases; objective geometric accuracy was not assessed. Median operative time was 100 minutes, median estimated blood loss was 90 mL, and hospital stay ranged from 1 to 2 days. Two of the three urologists (2/3) reported improved depth perception and spatial understanding compared with conventional CT, and perceived that the model allowed personal better orientation during surgery and considered it helpful for surgical planning; the third surgeon preferred conventional CT. No specific changes to the operative strategy attributable to the models were documented. Conclusions: Open-source segmentation software and a consumer VR headset permitted immersive visualization of renal 3D models in this initial technical report, and two of three urologists perceived better intraoperative orientation. Larger comparative studies with objective anatomical v
Keywords: three-dimensional imaging virtual reality, renal tumors, partial nephrectomy, computed tomography, surgical planning
©2026 Kuribreña. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.