The surgeon removes a tumour from an adrenal gland. In the image on the right, he has a map that shows where the tumour, vital organs and major blood vessels lie relative to the surgical instrument inserted into the body of the patient. Photo/illustration: SINTEF Technology and society

This surgical technique is possible because the surgeon navigates by advanced three-dimensional maps that show him the way around the inside of the body. 3D ultrasonic images enable the surgeon to see changes in the tissue during the operation itself.

The technique is employed in various parts of the body, for example to remove tumours in the brain or in the stomach. The method, known as image-guided surgery, improves patient treatment by

• avoiding large surgical scars
• removing more of a tumour
• reducing the risk of complications
• shortening convalescence times.

The system has been developed by research groups in Trondheim. Thanks to close collaboration with clinicians at St. Olav's Hospital and NTNU, we in SINTEF have succeeded in combining real-time 2D ultrasonics with 3D images made with ultrasonics, MR (magnetic resonance) and x-rays.