In a new initiative at University Hospital Southampton, surgeons have leveraged 3D printed liver models for intricate cancer surgeries. Supported by the Planets Cancer Charity, this technique revolutionizes pre-surgical planning, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients facing the challenges of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, a form of bile duct cancer.
CT and MRI scans provided the crucial data for crafting patient-specific liver models. These detailed replicas became invaluable tools for surgeons, enabling them to assess the feasibility of tumor removal before commencing the operation. Unlike traditional approaches, this new method has eliminated the uncertainty surrounding irreversible steps taken during surgery.
Arjun Takhar, a consultant hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer surgeon, emphasized the growing role of 3D printed models in surgical decision-making. Particularly vital in complex cases like hilar cholangiocarcinoma, these models empower surgeons to grasp the intricate anatomical relationships within organ structures, ultimately leading to more informed decisions.
“3D printing offers the advantage of assessing the tumor and its close attachments such as blood vessels and bile ducts in a scale model prior to performing the operation itself,” said Takhar.
“The aim of the pilot project is to assess whether this allows for assessment of operability to be made without opening the patient up, and also whether assessment with a model is better than simply looking at the patient’s CT and MRI scans. There is also an added advantage that a 3D model would also help in teaching trainee surgeons the nuances of liver anatomy in relation to these complex tumors.”
The Planets Cancer Charity played a pivotal role in this initiative, receiving a £2,000 grant from The Hospital Saturday Fund for the pilot program. This financial support underscores the potential impact of 3D printed models on improving surgical outcomes and patient well-being.
Source: independent.co.uk
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