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An alternative technique for fabricating an interim nasal profile dressing using computer-aided design,
Katie Spooner1, Graham Marshall1, Matthew Pilley2
1Researcher and Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Maxillofacial Department, University Hospitals of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, England, United Kingdom.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|July 13, 2023
Summary
This study presents a new method for creating custom nasal prosthetics after total rhinectomy surgery. This technique uses 3D printing for immediate, comfortable facial reconstruction, reducing patient distress.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Medical device fabrication
- 3D printing applications
Background:
- Total rhinectomy for nasal malignancy can lead to severe facial disfigurement and psychological distress.
- Current methods for nasal prosthetics often require uncomfortable preoperative or postoperative impressions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel technique for fabricating a skin-colored, interim nasal profile dressing.
- To enable immediate fitting after surgery, avoiding patient discomfort and initial emotional trauma.
Main Methods:
- Utilized preoperative computerized tomography (CT) scans.
- Employed computer-aided design (CAD) software for modeling.
- Incorporated 3-dimensional (3D) printing for fabrication.
- Used spectrophotometry for accurate skin-tone matching.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed a technique for creating custom nasal prosthetics.
- The fabricated dressing allows for immediate postoperative fitting.
- The method eliminates the need for traditional impressions, enhancing patient comfort.
Conclusions:
- This 3D printing-based technique offers an effective solution for immediate nasal reconstruction post-rhinectomy.
- It significantly improves patient experience by reducing discomfort and psychological impact.
- This approach represents an advancement in prosthetic rehabilitation for nasal cancer patients.
