RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The Role of 3D Printing in Colorectal Surgery: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives
JF In Vivo
JO In Vivo
FD International Institute of Anticancer Research
SP 297
OP 302
DO 10.21873/invivo.11475
VO 33
IS 2
A1 XENOFON PAPAZARKADAS
A1 ELEFTHERIOS SPARTALIS
A1 DIMITRIOS PATSOURAS
A1 ARGYRIOS IOANNIDIS
A1 DIMITRIOS SCHIZAS
A1 KONSTANTINOS GEORGIOU
A1 DIMITRIOS DIMITROULIS
A1 NIKOLAOS NIKITEAS
YR 2019
UL http://iv.iiarjournals.org/content/33/2/297.abstract
AB Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging and evolving technology with a variety of possible applications in surgery. The purpose of this study was to examine its potential applications in the field of colorectal surgery, as a tool in pre-operative planning and peri-operative navigation, as well as in training. Its cost-efficiency was also examined. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted on articles specifically presenting various applications of 3D printing in the field of colorectal surgery. PubMed was the primary database researched. Results: A total of seven studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria. The majority of the articles employed 3D printing technology to produce patient-specific anatomic replicas to enhance pre-operative planning, providing satisfactory results. One study used 3D printing technology as a therapy tool, stating superior results over traditional methods. Conclusion: 3D printing is a novel technology with a broad spectrum of possible applications in colorectal surgery. Anatomic replicas specific to the anatomy of a patient with acceptable dimensional correlations can be produced using the currently available technology. Surgical and patient training can also be enhanced. Depending on the technology used, costs greatly vary and can thus hinder popularization of this technology in surgery.