Application of three-dimensional printing model in surgical resection and reconstruction of cervical tumor / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The anatomical structure of cervical spine is complex, and the important structures of blood vessels, nerves, esophagus and trachea are adjacent to the tumor. The operation is difficult. OBJECTIVE: To explore the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing model in surgical resection and reconstruction of cervical tumor. METHODS: Eleven patients with cervical tumors, who were treated in the Gansu Provincial Hospital from September 2016 to December 2018, were selected, including 7 males and 4 females, at the age of 35-68 years. Eleven patients were scanned by cervical CT before operation. The image information obtained by CT was saved in DICOM format, and then the data were imported into Mimics 3D modeling software to reconstruct the 3D model. Finally, the reconstruction results were imported into the 3D printer in STL format, and the 1 ∶ 1 anatomical model was printed layer by layer according to the 3D model. According to the 3D printed model, the surgical resection and reconstruction plan of cervical tumor was made. After 6-12 months of follow-up, the visual analogue scale score and Oswestry dysfunction index were compared before and after surgery. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Gansu Provincial Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Eleven cases were operated successfully, and no serious complications such as spinal cord, nerve root and vertebral artery injury occurred; postoperative X-ray reexamination showed that the lesion site was completely removed, and the implant was in a good position without loosening. (2) The visual analogue scale score and Oswestry dysfunction index of eleven patients were significantly improved in 1 week, 1 and 3 months after operation (P < 0.05). (3) The results showed that 3D printing model could make a complete resection and reconstruction plan before operation, including the specific resection scope, fixed segment, screw and steel plate size, familiar with the anatomical relationship between the focus and the surrounding tissue, avoid the injury of important nerves and blood vessels during operation, reduce the risk of operation and improve the clinical effect.