In 2013, the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital planned the first-ever complex oncological surgical procedure using three-dimensional printing for a paediatric patient. Since then, the number of surgical specialities that use this technology to plan or guide surgery has multiplied. Currently, more than 6 surgical specialities at the centre use these techniques to treat patients.
Mixed model and interdisciplinary study of cases
The staff members who specialise in 3D planning and printing work under a mixed work model, in a specific unit in the same Hospital where the virtual simulations and printing are performed. We also have an external team of professionals and providers that collaborate in the more complex cases. This model allows a more efficient and effective service to be given to the centre’s professionals.
The transversal and multidisciplinary team is coordinated by the Innovation Department, and is comprised of engineering experts, members of the Diagnostic Imaging Service, the Surgery Service, the Finance Department and the Darwin Advanced Simulation Programme team. The Unit members study each case and assess the possibilities and clinical benefits of applying 3D techniques to the patient.
Clinical applications of 3D technology
Virtual surgical planning
It is not covered by public health
Cutting and positioning guides
It is not covered by public health
Anatomical models printing
It is not covered by public health
Orthoses and prostheses prototyping
It is not covered by public health
Teaching and simulation
It is not covered by public health
Advantages of 3D planning and printing
Safety
Reduction in anaesthesia and ischaemia time and fewer complications with the help of simulations and surgical rehearsals. Surgical rehearsals allow for a very high degree of precision and can pre-empt possible difficulties in the operating theatre. The Maxillofacial Surgery team has performed 25 mandibular distractions; the Oncological Surgery team has worked on 6 cases of neuroblastoma and the Traumatology and Orthopaedics team reconstructed the pelvis of a patient with Ewing’s sarcoma.
Efficiency and efficacy
Planning reduces surgery time, thus enabling faster patient recovery and reducing resource use and costs. In cases such as hip surgery with autologous fibular grafting, surgery time is reduced by up to 40%. This reduction in the required surgical time has also been demonstrated in maxillofacial and oncological surgery.
Outcomes and quality
Improved precision and outcomes
The high-precision approach makes it possible to achieve the planned outcome in practically all cases, while also reducing reintervention rates.
Improving experience
This technology helps patients and families to have a better understanding of the surgical procedure for treating the disease.
It facilitates clinical learning
Application in medical resident training. Practice in mandibular distraction techniques in which 3D helps to protocolise the surgery.
3D unit figures
Cases treated in the 3D Unit
