Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 29, 2025
Author Spotlight: 3D Scanning and Augmented Reality for Enhanced Cancer Surgery Communication
Published on: December 15, 2023
Utilizing 3D head and neck specimen scanning for intraoperative margin discussions: Proof of concept of our novel
Michael P Saturno1, Margaret Brandwein-Weber2, Lily Greenberg1
1Thyroid, Head and Neck Cancer (THANC) Foundation, New York, New York, USA.
Background:
The current standard of documenting and communicating frozen section margin results is inefficient. We present a novel method of generating 3D digital models of gross tumor specimens to more clearly visualize histopathological margin results.
Methods:
Fifty-five head and neck specimens were scanned and virtually "inked" using 3D software. These 3D specimen maps were displayed in the operating room to provide the surgeon with a real-time specimen-to-defect relationship by which further resections could be guided.
Results:
Margin results were reported within an average of 34 min using the proposed workflow. The scanner rendered accurate models of specimens that exceeded 3.0 × 3.0 × 3.0 cm. Critical specimen features to consider were size, color, textural complexity, and the presence of discernible anatomic landmarks.
Conclusions:
Optical 3D scanning technology can improve the quality of head and neck margin documentation and the efficiency with which results are communicated between the pathologist and surgeon.
