Impact of 3Dprinted models on quantitative surgical outcomes for patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: a cohort study.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printed anatomic models can facilitate presurgical planning by providing surgeons with detailed knowledge of the exact location of pertinent anatomical structures. Although 3D printed anatomic models have been shown to be useful for pre-operative planning, few studies have demonstrated how these models can influence quantitative surgical metrics. To prospectively assess whether patient-specific 3D printedprostate cancer models can improve quantitative surgical metrics in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Patients with MRI-visible prostate cancer (PI-RADS V2 ≥ 3) scheduled to undergo RARP were prospectively enrolled in our IRB approved study (n = 82). Quantitative surgical metrics included the rate of positive surgical margins (PSMs), operative times, and blood loss. A qualitative Likert scale survey to assess understanding of anatomy and confidence regarding surgical approach was also implemented. The rate of PSMs was lower for the 3D printedmodel group (8.11%) compared to that with imaging only (28.6%), p = 0.128. The 3D printed model group had a 9-min reduction in operating time (213 ± 42min vs. 222 ± 47min) and a 5mL reduction in average blood loss (227 ± 148mL vs. 232 ± 114mL). Surgeon anatomical understanding and confidence improved after reviewing the 3D printed models (3.60 ± 0.74 to 4.20 ± 0.56, p = 0.62 and 3.86 ± 0.53 to 4.20 ± 0.56, p = 0.22). 3D printedprostate cancer models can positively impact quantitativepatient outcomes such as PSMs, operative times, and blood loss in patients undergoing RARP.