Image processing--principles and its future applications in reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgery.

Although the great importance of the visual aspect to medical science, and plastic surgery in particular, is beyond doubt, the utilization of image systems for transmission, storage, and processing of images is not at all widespread. The main reason for this phenomenon is that owing to the high complexity of imaging-related equipment, in comparison with other means such as audio equipment (telephone, tape recorders, and so on), more complicated systems are required, including wider broadcasting channels, much larger storage capacities, and higher processing speeds than are available now. Except for extensive research and development activities in the universities, research institutes, and military organizations, the large potential of the artificial visual aspect is not commonly utilized. In the future, efficient utilization of image processing capabilities in the service of plastic surgery will be achieved by the emerging capabilities for many complicated procedures. These include huge image data base processing, automatic detection of pathologic cases by enhancement of details and recognition of patterns, accurate measurements of the changes and distortions in the processed images, prediction of results to allow planning of treatment, simulation, and training on computerized cases. The new capabilities also include visual control of robotic arms for complicated operations, better audio-visual communication between faraway clinics and medical centers via sophisticated teleconferencing systems--which will save traveling expenses and time and will enable the updating of medical information--and many more applications that will be developed when the basic equipment becomes an integrated part of the clinics and plastic surgery departments. Future image processing will enhance the visual aspect in the plastic surgeon's work and will enable the doctor to expand his or her professional capabilities.

Data storage and retrieval.

The entire face of modern medical and surgical practice is being significantly affected by the application of technologic developments to the practice of surgery--developments that will tie together such areas as information management and processing, robotics, communication networks, and computerized surgical equipment. The achievements in these areas will create a sophisticated, fully automatic system that will assist the plastic surgeon in many aspects of work, such as regular office activities, doctor-patient interaction, professional updating, communication, and even assistance during the operational process itself. It will be as simple as dialing a telephone today. When it is necessary to consult with other colleagues, a combined vocal and visual consulting network in other medical centers as well as consulting computerized expert systems will be available all day and night as part of the communication services. The plastic surgical expert systems will store valuable information, based on the knowledge of the best human experts, on any important subtopics and will be accessed in a very friendly way. This will be an invaluable tool for the residents in training, for emergency room work, and for just getting a second opinion, even for the more experienced practitioner. All the electronic mail, professional magazines, and any other required professional information will flow between central and personal retrieval systems. The doctor, at a desired time in the privacy and comfort of his or her own home or office, can read the mail, make required changes to suit his or her needs, and store, send back, or distribute information, all in a speedy and efficient manner. The simulation of a planned surgery will give the surgeon the ability to prepare and will prevent difficulties during complicated procedures through the luxury of a dry run, without any sequelae if certain expected outcomes fail to materialize. The preprogrammed control of sophisticated surgical equipment and the use of robotics would generate new operational possibilities for more complicated surgeries, which are now prevented owing to the surgeon's physical limitations. Information urgently required during the operation as a result of an unexpected situation will be available immediately from storage and retrieval systems, and real-time vocal and visual consulting with expert colleagues, often in remote locations, will bring the operations process itself to a new era.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)