The role of 3-D printing is presented for improved patient-specific surgery planning. Key benefits are time saved and surgery outcome. Two hard-tissue surgery models were 3-D printed, for orthopedic, pelvic surgery, and craniofacial surgery. We discuss software data conversion in computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) medical image for 3-D printing. 3-D printed models save time in surgery planning and help visualize complex pre-operative anatomy. Time saved in surgery planning can be as much as two thirds. In addition to improved surgery accuracy, 3-D printing presents opportunity in materials research. Other hard-tissue and soft-tissue cases in maxillofacial, abdominal, thoracic, cardiac, orthodontics, and neurosurgery are considered. We recommend using 3-D printing as standard protocol for surgery planning and for teaching surgery practices. A quick turnaround time of a 3-D printed surgery model, in improved accuracy in surgery planning, is helpful for the surgery team. It is recommended that these costs be within 20 % of the total surgery budget.

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A 42-year-old female was admitted with complaints of colicky abdominal pain and bilious vomiting of 1 day duration. On examination, her vital parameters were within normal limits. Abdominal examination showed a distended abdomen with sluggish bowel sounds. Her hematological parameters were within normal limits. An erect and supine X-ray of her abdomen revealed few air fluid levels involving the small bowel. There were multiple radiopaque shadows seen in the pelvis [ Figure 1]. Ultrasonography of the abdomen showed small bowel loops with sluggish peristalsis and a single gall bladder calculi of 15 mm. A computed tomography (CT) scan with i.v. and oral contrast was done to rule out gall stone ileus. CT scan revealed features of subacute intestinal obstruction along with enteroliths in the lumen of the small bowel and cholelithiasis [ Figure 2]. Patient was kept nil by mouth and started on intravenous fluids. A Ryle's tube was inserted and the patient was monitored without any surgical intervention. The patient showed significant improvement on the next SUMMARY Eosinophilic enteritis is an uncommon disease characterized by eosinophilic infiltration involving any layer of the bowel wall. It can affect any area of gastrointestinal tract although stomach and small intestine are sites most frequently involved. It is important to recognize this disease and institute the necessary treatment at the earliest in order to avoid its complications. We present a case where the patient presented with features of subacute intestinal obstruction due to distal ileal strictures and enteroliths. Histopathologic examination of the resected specimen revealed characteristic features of eosinophilic enteritis.

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