3D printing helps patients avoid organ damage during tumor removal surgery
September 20 06:27:39, 2025
In a groundbreaking surgical procedure, the urology and surgery sub-specialist team at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, successfully performed high-selective branch artery laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery for a patient with a left kidney tumor. This innovative approach utilized 3D visualization technology combined with a 3D printed model to precisely block the tumor-specific branch artery, allowing for accurate tumor removal while minimizing thermal ischemic reperfusion injury to healthy kidney tissue. According to available literature, this is the first time such advanced 3D technology has been applied in this type of surgery in Central South China. The procedure not only demonstrates a strong commitment to the principles of "precision urology," but also marks a significant advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney tumors at Xiangya Hospital.
A 60-year-old woman, Li Aiyi, was diagnosed with a dangerous left kidney tumor located near the renal hilum, surrounded by critical structures like the renal artery, vein, and collecting system. The complex relationship between the tumor and surrounding tissues made the surgery extremely risky. After seeking help from multiple hospitals, she finally came to Xiangya Hospital for treatment.
Traditionally, radical nephrectomy was the primary treatment for kidney cancer. However, with advancements in surgical techniques, more procedures now aim to preserve as much healthy kidney tissue as possible through nephron-sparing surgeries. Professor Qi Lin, head of the Urology Department at Xiangya Hospital, explained that performing such surgeries in challenging locations—especially near major vessels and the ureter—poses significant challenges for urologists.
Upon reviewing Li Aiyi’s condition, Professor Qi Lin and his team decided to use the latest 3D technology for preoperative planning. This allowed them to accurately visualize the tumor's position and its relationship with surrounding structures, enabling detailed surgical planning and reducing the risk of complications.
Through thorough analysis, the team discovered that the tumor’s blood supply came entirely from a single branch of the renal artery. Based on this finding, they developed a precise surgical plan to selectively block that artery, ensuring maximum preservation of kidney function.
On May 11th, the team successfully completed the laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery using the preoperative 3D visualization and 3D printing model. The operation was minimally invasive, with only 50 ml of blood loss.
Professor Qi Lin emphasized that the integration of 3D technology allows surgeons to “see is believe.†Preoperatively, they can accurately locate the tumor, understand its relationship with surrounding tissues, determine the best surgical path, and even simulate the operation. For high-risk surgeries like those involving renal hilar tumors, this technology helps identify the exact location of the target vessel and the optimal pathway to access it, ensuring that the tumor is removed and the wound is sutured within the renal parenchymal defect, all while maintaining blood flow. This approach significantly protects the patient’s kidney function and improves long-term outcomes.
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