Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
3D Printing Model of a Patient's Specific Lumbar Vertebra
Published on: April 14, 2023
Preoperative surgical simulation of laparoscopic adrenalectomy for neuroblastoma using a three-dimensional printed
Ryota Souzaki1, Yoshiaki Kinoshita2, Satoshi Ieiri2
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University; Department of Advance Medicine and Innovative Technology, Kyushu University Hospital.
Background:
Three-dimensional (3D) printed models based on computed tomography (CT) images facilitate the visualization of complex structures and are useful for understanding the surgical anatomy preoperatively. We developed a preoperative surgical simulation method using a 3D printed model based on CT images obtained prior to laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal neuroblastomas (NBs).
Materials And Methods:
The multi-detector CT images were transferred to a 3D workstation, and 3D volume data were obtained by reconstructing the sections. A model was made with a 3D printer using acrylic ultraviolet curable resin. The adrenal tumor, kidney, renal vein and artery, inferior vena cava, aorta, and outer body were fabricated. The pneumoperitoneum, insertion of trocars, and laparoscopic view were all attainable in this model. We used this model for three cases with adrenal NB.
Results:
We used this model to discuss the port layout before the operation and to simulate the laparoscopic view and range of forceps movement. All three cases with NB were completely resected without any surgical complications.
Conclusions:
The surgical simulation using 3D printed models based on preoperative CT images for adrenal NB was very useful for understanding the patient's surgical anatomy and for planning the surgical procedures, especially for determining the optimal port layout.
