An accuracy evaluation of personalized 3D-printed liver models developed for laparoscopic liver resections for oncological patients

Abstract

Introduction: Aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of low-cost technique of 3D printing liver models in comparison to patients' anatomy based on computed tomography (CT) images. Method: Ten models for consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resections for oncological purposes were 3D-printed with the cost-effective approach, described in previous studies. Subsequently, CT scans were performed on produced models (MCT), followed by series of 2D and 3D volumetric measurements on MCT and patients' CT (PCT). 2D measurements included diameters of hepatic and portal veins and distance from tumor to inferior vena cava. Statistical analysis was performed in R software v. 3.4.3. Results: There were no significant differences in distance from tumor to inferior vena cava (mean absolute difference MD = 0.31 ± 0.69 cm; p = 0.64) as well as in vessels diameters (i.e. MD = 0.08 ± 0.18 cm; p = 0.46 for right hepatic vein). Also, volumetry revealed similarity in volume of tumors (14.4 [range: 4.2–188.3] cm3 in PCT vs. 15 [range: 4.2–182] cm3 in MCT) and liver parenchyma (median: 1,492 cm3 in MCT vs. 1,330 cm3; p = 0.08). Conclusions: Our approach to 3DP liver models gives accurate representation of patient's anatomy as seen in CT analysis. Accompanied by method's cost-effectiveness, it should be moved to trials that will assess the clinical outcomes.