3D printing for an anterolateral thigh phalloplasty

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Phalloplasty, a gender-affirming surgery, requires innovative tools due to its complex nature.
• Current surgical techniques often involve adapting tools from other procedures.
• Accurate visualization of vasculature is crucial for successful anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap phalloplasty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate patient-specific 3D printed models for ALT flap phalloplasty.
• To assess the accuracy of 3D models in representing critical vasculature.
• To determine the feasibility of using 3D models for surgical planning and reference.

Main Methods:

• Developed patient-specific 3D models from computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Utilized two 3D printing techniques: standard segmentation with a reference grid and a bitmap method.
• Collected surgeon feedback on model accuracy and anatomical visualization.

Main Results:

• The bitmap method provided excessive detail, leading to negative surgeon feedback.
• The hybrid method, combining segmentation and a reference grid, yielded favorable results.
• Surgeons approved of the models, with a preference for the grid application.

Conclusions:

• Patient-specific 3D models can accurately represent vasculature for ALT flap phalloplasty.
• The hybrid 3D printing method shows positive feasibility for surgical planning.
• 3D models hold potential for future use in phalloplasty procedures.