A Personalized 3D-Printed Model for Obtaining Informed Consent Process for Thyroid Surgery: A Randomized Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Medical technology
• Surgical innovation
• Patient education

Background:

• Informed consent is crucial for patient understanding in thyroid surgery.
• Traditional methods may not fully convey complex thyroid lesion characteristics.
• Enhanced visualization tools are needed to improve patient comprehension.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of personalized 3D-printed thyroid models in the informed consent process.
• To assess the impact of these models on patient knowledge and satisfaction.
• To determine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of 3D model production.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized controlled trial involving 53 patients undergoing thyroid surgery.
• Patients were assigned to groups with or without a 3D-printed thyroid model during consent.
• 3D models were fabricated using U-Net deep learning and mesh-type 3D modeling techniques.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed model group showed significant improvements in general knowledge, understanding of surgical benefits/risks, and satisfaction (p < 0.05).
• The models effectively illustrated tumor size, location, and anatomical relationships.
• The average production cost was low at USD 4.23 per model.

Conclusions:

• Personalized 3D-printed thyroid models enhance patient understanding and satisfaction during informed consent.
• These models serve as valuable tools for explaining thyroid disease and surgical procedures.
• 3D modeling offers a practical and effective approach to patient education in thyroid surgery.