3D printing technology and its role in urological training

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Surgical simulation and 3D printing are increasingly integrated into medical research.
• There is a growing consensus on incorporating surgical simulation into medical curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the 3D printing workflow and its applications in surgical training.
• To examine the current literature on 3D printing for augmenting surgical training.
• To identify challenges associated with using 3D printing in surgical education.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed on the use of 3D printing in urology.
• The review focused on identifying various use-cases of this technology in urological training.
• The 3D printing workflow, applications, and challenges were described.

Main Results:

• Numerous surgical applications of 3D printing were identified, including training for percutaneous nephrolithotomy, partial nephrectomy, and renal transplantation.
• Specific examples include simulation devices for urethrovesical anastomosis, laparoscopic trainers, and robotic surgery phantoms.
• 3D printing has been utilized in procedures such as laparoscopic pyeloplasty and prostate brachytherapy.

Conclusions:

• Urology has effectively adopted 3D printing technology for enhancing procedural training over the past decade.
• The use cases for 3D printing in surgical training are expected to expand.
• Advancements in usability, availability, and cost reduction will further drive the adoption of 3D printing in urology.