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3d Model For Chest Wall Reconstruction - Utility Survey
Luís Lourenço Graça1, Filipe Leite2, Gonçalo Paupério2
1Serviço de Cirurgia Cardiotorácica, Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra, ULS Coimbra.
Introduction:
Three-dimensional (3D) models contributed to many improvements in surgical planning, presenting irrefutable advantages in many fields and may play a relevant role in chest wall surgeries. This study aims to evaluate their usefulness for chest wall reconstruction surgeries.
Materials And Methods:
All thoracic surgeons and residents practicing in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America were asked to complete an online survey questionnaire, distributed through their respective national scientific societies. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test to access differences among surgeons with experience with 3D models and those without experience.
Results:
A total of 145 answers were gathered from 15 countries. Most respondents had never performed thoracic wall reconstruction surgeries using rigid prosthesis with 3D patient-specific modeling. Most consensus was obtained regarding the positive contribution of a 3D model for preoperative communication with the patient, improvement in preoperative planning, and its positive role in training of less experienced surgeons. A tendency for neutral opinion was observed regarding its impact in avoidance of perioperative complications. Regarding 3D printing of a physical model, 74.8% agreed or strongly agreed that it is advantageous in comparison with a digital model, and 72.8% agreed or strongly agreed that it is advantageous for all candidates considered for chest wall reconstruction with rigid prothesis. Surgeons without experience with 3D models value significantly more than those with experience their contribution for a more precise preoperative planning (p=0.036), planning of surgery duration (p=0.008), and consider 3D printed models to be advantageous for all candidates to chest wall reconstruction surgery (p=0.028).
Conclusion:
3D patient-specific models are not accessible to most surgeons but the overall opinion on their usefulness is very positive. Printed models seem to be advantageous over digital ones, and beneficial for all patients undergoing chest wall reconstruction surgery.
