Cost-effective anatomical modelling in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy – a case study

Abstract

Patient-specific preparation before minimally invasive partial nephrectomy is necessary to understand the tumour’s relationship with the hilar and vascular structures of the kidney. Virtual and physical three-dimensional (3D) models of the kidney were constructed for a
56-year-old patient undergoing robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for a small hilar renal mass using open-source software and 3D-printed at minimal cost. The model improved preoperative planning, aided navigation to the tumour, and allowed safe identification of the vascular structures. With open-source software and the improved availability of lower-cost 3D printers, 3D modelling can be achieved with minimal financial, administrative, and time costs.