Transanal endoscopic surgery with a 3D printed device

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Surgical Technology
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Transanal endoscopic procedures traditionally require pneumorectum.
• Developing effective devices for these procedures is crucial.
• 3D printing offers potential for customized surgical tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 3D-printed devices for transanal endoscopic surgery.
• To assess the feasibility of performing rectal resections without pneumorectum using these devices.

Main Methods:

• Customized devices were designed using 3D solid modeling software.
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) devices were manufactured using fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing.
• The devices were tested on simulators, cadavers, and in a series of patient interventions.

Main Results:

• Seven full-thickness rectal wall resections were performed in six patients.
• Lesions averaged 5 cm from the anal verge.
• Histopathology revealed adenomas and adenocarcinomas; all excisions were en bloc with no postoperative mortality.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed devices are effective for transanal endoscopic rectal resections.
• These devices facilitate procedures without pneumorectum, even with spinal anesthesia.
• This technology represents a successful advancement in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.