Prokar Dasgupta, of Kings College London & Guys Hospital also supports the introduction of the models and gave a recent presentation to the Independent Doctors Federation about their use in robotic surgery. He sees the models as instrumental in both patient counselling and surgical planning, and is particularly excited about their role in helping to make robotic surgery more accurate. The biggest challenge to him is sourcing and applying the best materials to create the most realistic models.

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L I FESTYLE

All too often men diagnosed with prostate cancer are being offered treatment based on inaccurate tests, which can lead to

significant side effects and can have a major impact on their lives.

Experts, such as those at Nuada Urology London, aim to make the patient the centre of care by providing the latest technologies and specialist knowledge, all under one roof.

Imaging has been at the heart of the Nuada Group since its establishment in 2010 and we are continually innovating in terms of its application to our medical practice. In 2015, we began to use detailed MRI images of cancerous prostate glands to print 3D models to help both patient and clinician understand the precise nature of individual prostate cancers.

The response from the urology community has been overwhelmingly positive. Hashim Ahmed, consultant urologist sees two key roles for 3D prostate models: “Firstly, for education and training. We can educate patients about their disease, its anatomy in relation to the prostate

anatomy and its proximity to other vital structures, such as neurovascular bundles and the sphincter, will enable a clearer understanding of the potential risks and benefits of different management options for their disease.

“Secondly, in the delivery of therapy - especially for radical prostatectomy - where these models have great potential. A recent series of five patients were published in European Urology by the USC Urology Group, which showed the potential for the models. In the words of the authors in the paper, “the translucence of the 3D whole-gland prostate models allows easy visualisation of the 3D location, size, and extent of the index lesion inside the prostate. The life-size reality of the 3D printed models facilitates understanding of the distance or proximity of the index cancer to the prostate capsule and NVB. The surgeon also found it useful to inspect the 3D models before and during surgery as a reference tool. Such detailed preoperative knowledge of three key aspects of prostate and cancer anatomy provided

a novel opportunity to enhance the intra-operative precision and confidence of the robotic surgeon”.”

O n c h a l le n g e s t o t h e introduction and application of these models, Dr Ahmed says: “We clearly need further studies to determine the exact clinical utility of their use. The questions we need to potentially answer in a formal manner are whether decision-making by patients is affected, are patients better equipped to deal with potential side effects because these tools are a reasonable way to manage their expectations and, finally, do these models make a difference during surgery for nerve-sparing and functional outcomes as well as positive margin rate?”

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For more information on Nuada Urology London or on diagnosing and treating prostate cancer go to either nuadaurology.com or call 020 7036 8800

3D printing for patient engagement and surgical planning

Prostate Cancer

Precision Diagnostics & Nuanced CareMedicine practiced in a professional services environment

3D prostate models are changing the industry