Application of 3D-printing technology in preoperative planning and doctor-patient consultation of percutaneous nephrolithotomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the applications of 3D-printing technology in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and its function in preoperative consultation.Methods Fifteen patients of renal calculus in Tongji Hospital from April to June 2015 were selected in the present study.The preoperative CT scan of renal was processed by three-dimensional radiological software,the renal tissue and perirenal fat were deleted but the 12th rib was left with the renal calculi by the software,and the final models were made by photosensitive resin.Virtual operation based on the 3D-printed model of renal calculi and preoperative data were made preoperatively and compared with actual operation.The efficacy of the models in preoperative planning was evaluated.Operators were asked to fill the questionnaire after operation in order to investigate the efficacy of the renal calculi printed by 3D-printing technology in PCNL.By using the models in consultation before operation,the patients and their family members were asked to fill questionnaires and the efficacy of the models in doctor-patient communication was also evaluated.Results The 15 3D-printed models of renal calculi were set up well and all the operations were successful.The models clearly reflected the size and shape of the renal calculi and the position of the renal calculi and the 12th rib.The virtual puncture point and the renal calyx of puncture were basically corresponded to the actual operation,the puncture depth of virtual operations was (5.7 ± 0.6) cm,while the puncture depth of actual operations was (6.2 ± 0.7) cm,and there was no significant difference (P =2.04).The average evaluation score of the models given by operators was 7.5 ± 0.5,and the average score of the doctor-patient conversation before operation given by the patients or their family members was 8.7 ± 0.8.Conclusions The renal calculi models printed by 3D-printing technology can clearly reflect the size and shape of renal calculi,and the models also play a very important role in preoperative planning and operative process.Meanwhile,the models could be useful in the doctor-patient consultation.