A method for the resection of cranial tumours and skull reconstruction

A new technique for the resection of cranial tumours and subsequent reconstruction using stereolithographic (SL) biomodelling and customized cranioplastic implants has been developed. The technique is based on a custom model of the tumour and surrounding skull from which the resection of the tumour and shape of the cranioplasty can be determined. A patient with a hyperostotic fronto-orbital meningioma was selected. CT was performed and SL biomodels manufactured. The surgeon marked the resection margin on the biomodel and a customized resection template was fashioned. The tumour was then resected from the biomodel and a customized acrylic implant was manufactured to reconstruct the defect. At surgery the tumour was exposed in a routine fashion and the template used to mark the resection margin. Once resected, the defect was reconstructed with the custom cranioplastic implant. The technique facilitated accurate surgical resection of the tumour and subsequent reconstruction. The surgeon reported several advantages of the technique including increased confidence, reduced operating time (at least 1 h), excellent cosmetic results, accuracy, and simplicity. The patient reported that the opportunity to see the biomodel, template and implant improved her understanding of the procedure.