A small 3D-printing model of macroadenomas for endoscopic endonasal surgery

PurposeThis paper examines the application of 3D printing technology in the endoscopic endonasal approach for the treatment of macroadenomas.MethodsWe have retrospectively analysed 20 patients who diagnosed with macroadenoma underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery in Wuhan Union hospital from January 2017 to May 2017. Among the 20 patients, 10 patients received the service of 3D printing technology preoperatively. The data of 3D processing and clinical result were recorded for further evaluation.ResultsThe 10 patients who received the service had a successful 3D printed model of their tumors, it shows the anatomy of sphenoid sinus, tumor location which were in good agreement with our intraoperative observations. The 10 patients who received the service had a less operation time (127.015.53 vs. 143.40 +/- 17.89), blood loss (159.90 +/- 12.31 vs. 170.00 +/- 29.06) and less postoperative complication rate (20% vs. 40%). the design time of the 3D images varies 2h 10min to 4h 32min. the printing time of the 3D models varies 10h 12min to 22h 34min.ConclusionsThe use of 3D printing technology has unquestionable potential applications to endoscopic endonasal approach for macroadenomas, in particular reflecting the complicated anatomy of sphenoid sinus and tumor location. Owing to the advantages of 3D printing technology, it may help the patients get a good prognosis.