Application of 3D-printing technology in surgical planning for renal tumor: a preliminary report / 中华泌尿外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the efficacy of using three-dimensional (3D) printing technique on surgical planning and its function in enhancing the physician-patient rapport before surgery.Methods From June 2013 to January 2014,10 patients with T1 renal tumors,who were received laparoscopic partial nephrectomy,were selected in study.Left renal tumor was found in 3 cases and right renal tumor was found in 7 cases.The location of tumor included upper part of kidney in 5 cases,lower part of kidney in 3 cases and renal hilum in 2 cases,4 cases were diagnosed as T1a stage and 6 cases were diagnosed as T1b stage.64-slice enhanced CT scan was performed preoperatively.Data of DICOM format was sent for post processing.The final data was then output to 3 d printer for generating kidney models using thermoplastic plastics.After generating the model,different colors were put on the model,including pink in kidney,yellow in pelvis and ureter,red in renal artery and blue in renal vein.Plotted questionnaires were designed for medical professionals and patients,respectively.4 urological experts make the scores by this questionnaire in order to evaluate the efficacy and fidelity of the model.2 surgeons evaluated the efficacy of model after operation by comparing the actual tumor size with that measured on the models.Meanwhile,the model was used for conversation before operation.The questionnaires were also used for evaluating the effectiveness of conversion.Results 10 kidney models fabricated successfully with 3D-printing.The tumor size,position,renal vascular and collecting system could be clearly presented.Being evaluated by 4 experts and 2 performing urologists,and the mean scores was 7.8 ± 0.7.Intraoperative correlation was advocated by the performing urologists.The mean evaluation score was 7.5.The bias between real diameter of renal carcinoma and that of 3 d model was 3.4± 1.3 mm.Patients and family members preferred the demonstration of the disease and the procedure with a visual and tactilediseased organ.The scores of satisfactory were 9.0 ± 0.8.Conclusions The 3d printed model could exhibit the relationship between tumor and renal,clearly.It can help the urologists in making surgical plan,effectively.Patients' Understandings from patients and family members of the disease and the procedure to be used can be upgraded with this novel technology.