Enhancing skull base tumor management: the combination of 3D printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniques

Abstract Object 3D printing technology stands as a transformative force in medicine, offering outstanding precision and personalization in surgical planning, patient education, and the development of anatomical models for complex procedures. This paper aims to explore the application experiences of...

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Main Authors: Xiao Li, Peng Gao, Angsi Liu, Fuxing Zuo, Ke Hu, Yang Wang, Haiyan Li, Jianxin Kong, Xueji Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-06-01
Series:3D Printing in Medicine
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00275-w
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author Xiao Li
Peng Gao
Angsi Liu
Fuxing Zuo
Ke Hu
Yang Wang
Haiyan Li
Jianxin Kong
Xueji Li
author_facet Xiao Li
Peng Gao
Angsi Liu
Fuxing Zuo
Ke Hu
Yang Wang
Haiyan Li
Jianxin Kong
Xueji Li
author_sort Xiao Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Object 3D printing technology stands as a transformative force in medicine, offering outstanding precision and personalization in surgical planning, patient education, and the development of anatomical models for complex procedures. This paper aims to explore the application experiences of 3D printing in endoscopic skull base tumor surgeries, evaluating the impact and effectiveness of 3D-printed models in enhancing both surgical simulations and anatomical learning in the field of neurosurgery for skull base tumors. Method From October 2015 to March 2019, our institution enrolled five patients for whom individualized 3D-printed models were created, utilizing different printing techniques and materials. These models served a critical role in preoperatively determining the most effective surgical approaches. Additionally, they were instrumental in facilitating endoscopic surgery simulations and enhancing anatomical education. To assess the utility of these 3D models, nine neurosurgeons from our institution were surveyed using the Likert scale questionnaire, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of 3D printing in clinical applications of neurosurgery. Result Our team successfully printed five complex skull base tumor models using 3D printing technology, which significantly improved the outcome of skull base tumor diagnosis and treatment. An evaluation of the Likert scores revealed that model 4, crafted using mixed photosensitive resin, was particularly effective for surgical simulation and anatomical education. The mean (standard deviation, SD) 3D printing time is 16.3 (5.54) hours, and the mean (SD) printing cost is 4,500 (1132.88) RMB, demonstrating the efficiency of this approach. Conclusion 3D printing technology emerges as a highly valuable asset in the realm of endoscopic surgery for skull base tumors. Its rapid production turnaround allows for urgent surgical preparation needs. Additionally, this technology optimizes the learning curve for clinical pathological anatomy and endoscopic surgery. This combination advances surgical practices and training, particularly in the challenging domain of skull base neurosurgery.
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id doaj-art-968f012d6bb04a5899fc2c9b58b2242e
institution Kabale University
issn 2365-6271
language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher BMC
record_format Article
series 3D Printing in Medicine
spelling doaj-art-968f012d6bb04a5899fc2c9b58b2242e2025-08-20T03:45:11ZengBMC3D Printing in Medicine2365-62712025-06-011111910.1186/s41205-025-00275-wEnhancing skull base tumor management: the combination of 3D printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniquesXiao Li0Peng Gao1Angsi Liu2Fuxing Zuo3Ke Hu4Yang Wang5Haiyan Li6Jianxin Kong7Xueji Li8Department of Neurosurgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeDepartment of Neurosurgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeDepartment of Neurosurgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeDepartment of Neurosurgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeDepartment of Neurosurgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeDepartment of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeMedprin Regenerative Medical Technologies Company LimitedDepartment of Neurosurgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeDepartment of Neurosurgery, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical CollegeAbstract Object 3D printing technology stands as a transformative force in medicine, offering outstanding precision and personalization in surgical planning, patient education, and the development of anatomical models for complex procedures. This paper aims to explore the application experiences of 3D printing in endoscopic skull base tumor surgeries, evaluating the impact and effectiveness of 3D-printed models in enhancing both surgical simulations and anatomical learning in the field of neurosurgery for skull base tumors. Method From October 2015 to March 2019, our institution enrolled five patients for whom individualized 3D-printed models were created, utilizing different printing techniques and materials. These models served a critical role in preoperatively determining the most effective surgical approaches. Additionally, they were instrumental in facilitating endoscopic surgery simulations and enhancing anatomical education. To assess the utility of these 3D models, nine neurosurgeons from our institution were surveyed using the Likert scale questionnaire, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of 3D printing in clinical applications of neurosurgery. Result Our team successfully printed five complex skull base tumor models using 3D printing technology, which significantly improved the outcome of skull base tumor diagnosis and treatment. An evaluation of the Likert scores revealed that model 4, crafted using mixed photosensitive resin, was particularly effective for surgical simulation and anatomical education. The mean (standard deviation, SD) 3D printing time is 16.3 (5.54) hours, and the mean (SD) printing cost is 4,500 (1132.88) RMB, demonstrating the efficiency of this approach. Conclusion 3D printing technology emerges as a highly valuable asset in the realm of endoscopic surgery for skull base tumors. Its rapid production turnaround allows for urgent surgical preparation needs. Additionally, this technology optimizes the learning curve for clinical pathological anatomy and endoscopic surgery. This combination advances surgical practices and training, particularly in the challenging domain of skull base neurosurgery.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00275-w3D printingSkull base tumorEndoscopy surgeryNeurosurgery
spellingShingle Xiao Li
Peng Gao
Angsi Liu
Fuxing Zuo
Ke Hu
Yang Wang
Haiyan Li
Jianxin Kong
Xueji Li
Enhancing skull base tumor management: the combination of 3D printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniques
3D Printing in Medicine
3D printing
Skull base tumor
Endoscopy surgery
Neurosurgery
title Enhancing skull base tumor management: the combination of 3D printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniques
title_full Enhancing skull base tumor management: the combination of 3D printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniques
title_fullStr Enhancing skull base tumor management: the combination of 3D printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniques
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing skull base tumor management: the combination of 3D printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniques
title_short Enhancing skull base tumor management: the combination of 3D printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniques
title_sort enhancing skull base tumor management the combination of 3d printing technology and endoscopic surgical techniques
topic 3D printing
Skull base tumor
Endoscopy surgery
Neurosurgery
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00275-w
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