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.