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Updated: Jul 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: 3D Scanning and Augmented Reality for Enhanced Cancer Surgery Communication
Published on: December 15, 2023
Virtual 3D Specimen Mapping in Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery
Alexis Miller1, Kavita Prasad1, Kayvon F Sharif2
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Objectives:
Virtual 3D specimen mapping of oncologic surgical specimens provides a visual record of the specimen and margin sampling sites which can be utilized in a variety of cancer care settings. Our objective was to perform a retrospective review of head and neck surgical oncology cases where the specimen was mapped post-operatively and to evaluate the utility of these 3D specimen maps amongst the multidisciplinary cancer care team.
Methods:
A retrospective review of our 3D specimen model biorepository was performed. Surgical specimens were 3D scanned and then graphically annotated (or "mapped") during routine pathologic processing. The resulting 3D specimen maps were distributed to the multidisciplinary oncologic care team. Final margin status and any use of the 3D specimen maps were recorded.
Results:
A total of 28 cases were included. Virtual 3D specimen maps were utilized by the cancer care team in 8 cases (29%), including 2 positive margin cases, 2 close margin cases, and 4 indeterminate margin cases. 3D specimen maps were used to visualize positive margin sites for pathologist-surgeon communication as a visual reference during tumor board discussions and to inform radiation treatment planning.
Conclusion:
Post-operative virtual 3D specimen mapping of oncologic specimens creates a permanent visual record of the specimen and the margins sampled and may serve as a beneficial tool for communication amongst the multidisciplinary cancer care team.
Level Of Evidence:
4 Laryngoscope, 134:191-197, 2024.
