Published in:
01-01-2016 | New Technology
From CT scanning to 3-D printing technology for the preoperative planning in laparoscopic splenectomy
Published in: Surgical Endoscopy | Issue 1/2016
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Background
Three-dimensional printing technology is rapidly changing the way we produce all sort of objects, having also included medical applications. We embarked in a pilot study to assess the value of patient-specific 3-D physical manufacturing of spleno-pancreatic anatomy in helping during patient’s counseling and for preoperative planning.
Methods
Twelve patients scheduled for a laparoscopic splenectomy underwent contrast CT and subsequent post-processing to create virtual 3-D models of the target anatomy, and 3-D printing of the relative solid objects. The printing process, its cost and encountered problems were monitored and recorded. Patients were asked to rate the value of 3-D objects on a 1–5 scale in facilitating their understanding of the proposed procedure. Also 10 surgical residents were required to evaluate the perceived extra value of 3-D printing in the preoperative planning process.
Results
The post-processing analysis required an average of 2; 20 h was needed to physically print each model and 4 additional hours to finalize each object. The cost for the material employed for each object was around 300 euros. Ten patients gave a score of 5, two a score of 4. Six residents gave a score of 5, four a score of 4.
Conclusions
Three-dimensional printing is helpful in understanding complex anatomy for educational purposes at all levels. Cost and working time to produce good quality objects are still considerable.