[En Route for Objective Evaluation of Form, Volume, and Symmetry in Plastic Surgery using 3-D Intraoperative Scans]. / Auf dem Weg zur objektiven Evaluation von Form, Volumen und Symmetrie in der Plastischen Chirurgie mittels intraoperativer 3D Scans.

BACKGROUND: There has been ongoing development in the field of 3-dimensional (3-D) Surface Imaging by laser scanner and digital 3-D photography (Photogrammetry) in recent years. Manufacturers tend to make new 3-D cameras compact, light-weighted, mobile, and user-friendly, similar to the development on the smartphone market. Although 3D scans have been used for patient consultations and digital documentation in Plastic Surgery since the 1980, there has been no significant development lately regarding its use for objective assistance during surgery. PATIENTS, MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our research team presents a new intraoperative 3-D scanning method for plastic-surgical procedures with selected mobile 3-D scanner systems. In the future, these might assist surgeons with the pre-, post-, and intraoperative 3-D analysis, choice of therapy, consultation, and documentation. RESULTS: The 3-D scanners were successfully validated for their intraoperative application to several patients. With their introduction, an intraoperative, objective measurement of volume to evaluate form and symmetry was possible. CONCLUSION: In this work, we share our first experience with the intraoperative use of new mobile 3D camera systems, discuss pros and cons, and show selected patient examples.