Background

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate and the only definitive management currently available is tumour resection. A patient-specific 3D model such as 3D-printed and virtual reality may be useful as an adjunct planning tool to the standard preoperative planning stages of pancreatic cancer resections.  

Aim

This study aims to assess the clinical value of patient-specific 3D printed models and virtual reality visualisation in pre-surgical planning of pancreatic cancer resectability.  

Methods

A CT scan of an anonymised pancreatic cancer case was selected with images post-processed segmented, and converted into a 3D printed model as well as a virtual reality visualisation. Both were presented to a group of 6 clinicians who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Expert opinions were obtained by asking the participants to complete questionnaires on the clinical value of these models as a preoperative planning adjunct.

Results

Five out of six (83%) participants agreed that the virtual reality tool was of more valuable compared to the 3D printed model when it comes to preoperative planning of pancreatic cancer resections. Similarly, 83% also agreed the virtual reality was more useful in understanding the depth perception and spatial relationship between anatomical structures. There is potential for patient-specific 3D models to increase surgical safety, overcome minute anatomical discrepancies and plan complex surgical procedures.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the clinical value of patient-specific models (3D printed and virtual reality) in the preoperative planning stages of pancreatic cancer resection. The models enhance understanding of the tumour’s location and its relation to the surrounding anatomy. The models offer the option of manipulating the anatomy in a 3D plane, either tactilely (3D printed) or via controllers (virtual reality). Future research could include assessing the clinical value of 3D models in pancreatic cancer patients with complex anatomical discrepancies.