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Surgeons use three-dimensional (3D) models to improve their understanding of the structure (anatomy) of the kidney. A recent trial published in European Urology Focus last month looked at how 3D modelling could help to predict surgical outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.
Sixty-nine patients with small renal mass (T1-T2) who were scheduled to have robot-assisted partial nephrectomy were included in the study. Virtual 3D models of their kidney and tumour were made using CT scans of their kidneys. The models were used to calculate the volume of the tumour, the ratio between tumour volume and kidney volume, and tumour blood supply as well as other measurements.
These measurements helped the surgeons determine which tumours would be difficult to remove and predict surgical outcomes after robot assisted partial nephrectomy.