Fiberoptic imaging for urologic surgery.

Laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery is likely to be improved with the development of real-time, intraoperative imaging for diagnosis, margin determination, and anatomical definition. A significant goal of much of this effort has been focused upon providing better outcomes after radical prostatectomy. The feasibility of fluorescent imaging of labeled cavernosal nerves in the operative field has been demonstrated in vivo in animals. Other applications of the technology and capability will certainly be developed over time. This article reviews and assesses the potential and capabilities of the different imaging modes currently in use or development.