Urology Journal

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the security and feasibility of three-dimensional(3D) printing technology assisted laparoscopic cryoablation to treat small renal tumors.

Patients and Methods: 4 patients recruited from April 2016 to August 2017 in our hospital underwent this operation. Three-dimensional reconstruction technology was used to mimic cryoablation treatment before operations in terms of how many needles this process needed and the depth and angle required to insert the needles into the tumor to precisely reserve nephrons. CT scan was used to assess the effect of the treatment after operation in regular follow-up.

Results: All cases were performed this operation successfully and recovered without major complications. The operation time were range from 106 to 118 minutes; the blood lose were range from 50 to 100ml. The follow-up time were between 16-8 months, and the mean time was 13.3 months. Follow-up survey was conducted regularly based on a standard protocol in outpatient. The results showed no abnormal reinforcing signals in cryoablation treated areas.

Conclusion: 3D printing technology assisted laparoscopic cryoablation is a feasible method to treat renal tumors, which maybe a better way to preserve nephrons, especially for those elderly and/or comorbid patients.