A systematic review of the clinical value and applications of three-dimensional virtual reconstructions in renal tumors

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) virtual reconstruction (VR) in the medical sciences has emerged as a novel, exciting and effective tool, with promising results for patients, trainees, and even experienced surgeons. The purpose of this review is to summarize the information on the clinical value and applications of 3D VR in renal tumors published in the last ten years. A literary search of PubMed-MEDLINE databases was performed to identify studies reporting the clinical application and usefulness of 3D VR models in renal tumors. Thirty-seven studies were found to meet the selection criteria and were included in the analysis. Most studies have provided a quantitative assessment focused on the accuracy of 3D VR models in replication of anatomy and renal tumor, on measuring 3D tumor volume and on the clinical value and utility of 3D VR in pre-surgical planning and simulation of renal procedures, with significant reductions of intraoperative complications. Fourteen studies provided a qualitative assessment of the usefulness of 3D VR models, with results showing an improved patient understanding of renal anatomy and pathology, improved undergraduate and postgraduate urology education. Moreover, 3D printing technology is a novel technique, and we are currently in the dynamic era, expanding into new surgical nephron-sparing procedures and the development of printed kidneys for transplantation.

Three-Dimensional Customized Imaging Reconstruction for Urological Surgery: Diffusion and Role in Real-Life Practice from an International Survey

“…A total of 37 articles were found. The number of patients included in the studies ranged from 5 to 157; 23 articles analyzed the impact of 3D models in surgical planning and training, with most of them ( 14) surveying trainees and patients about their role in understanding renal and tumor anatomy [20].…”

Intraoperative imaging techniques for robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy: where do we stand?

“…CT represents the imaging technique of choice for renal tumors. MRI is a valid alternative but is currently employed in cases of CT-indeterminate renal tumors or impaired renal function [43] . A clear understanding of the anatomy, location, and size of the tumor, along with the relationship of the renal tumor to the normal parenchyma, collecting system, and vascular structures, is critical to achieving a successful surgical outcome in RAPN.…”

Three-Dimensional Printing Creates New Trends of the Technological Revolution in Urologic Surgery

“…43 Surgery is still the first line of treatment for localized ccRCC and research shows that 3D printing technology can be used as a tool to guide kidney cancer surgery, which can show the size of the tumor, the depth, and the relationship with the artery and vein. 44 The model built by the patient's image data can give the surgeon guidance on the surgical approach decision and surgical method, and preserve the kidney function to the maximum extent on the basis of excising the lesion. 45 Compared with raw 2D imaging data, 3D printing improves the ability of surgeons to evaluate these features that are critical to surgical outcomes.…”

“…RC is the second most common tumor of the urinary system and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common pathological type . Surgery is still the first line of treatment for localized ccRCC and research shows that 3D printing technology can be used as a tool to guide kidney cancer surgery, which can show the size of the tumor, the depth, and the relationship with the artery and vein . The model built by the patient’s image data can give the surgeon guidance on the surgical approach decision and surgical method, and preserve the kidney function to the maximum extent on the basis of excising the lesion .…”