- abstract -

       The Internet has become ultimate tool for data and information transfer. In surgery and related isssues Internet is used for following applications: Internet-based education of surgeons, computer assisted surgery, and tele-surgery. This tutorial deals with all aspect of Internet-based surgery.

       For educational purposes, many virtual simulators are developed, recently. The tutorial gives overview of start-of-the-art technology on the field of surgical simmulations. Also, some advances, worldwide projects are presented, such as Virtual Human Project, digitalization of human body.

        Computer assisted surgery (CAS) is based upon classical surgical procedures, with usage of application specific computers. Following operative and preoperative steps are presented in the tutorial: pre-op planning, pre-op registration, intra-op navigation, and intra-op execution.

        Tele-surgery is one step forward from CAS. Procedures are also done with assistance of computers, but surgeon operates remotely. Case study about first transatlantic intervention is presented. Possibilities of surgery over the Internet are discussed.

        Few state-of-the-art projects at major US and Europe universities are presented.