The impact of using three-dimensional printed liver models for patient education

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of using a three-dimensional (3D) printed liver model for patient education. METHODS: Children with hepatic tumours who were scheduled for hepatectomy were enrolled, and patient-specific 3D liver models were printed with photosensitive resin, based on computed tomography (CT) images. Before surgery, their parents received information regarding liver anatomy, physiology, tumour characteristics, planned surgery, and surgical risks using these CT images. Then, parents completed questionnaires regarding this information. Thereafter, 3D printed models of each patient were presented along with an explanation of the general printing process, and the same questionnaire was completed. The median number of correct responses in each category before and after the 3D printed model presentation was compared. RESULTS: Seven children and their 14 parents were enrolled in the study. After the presentation of 3D printed models, parental understanding of basic liver anatomy and physiology, tumour characteristics, the planned surgical procedure, and surgical risks significantly improved. Parents demonstrated improvements in their understanding of basic liver anatomy by 26.4%, basic liver physiology by 23.6%, tumour characteristics by 21.4%, the planned surgical procedure by 31.4%, and surgical risks by 27.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Using 3D printed liver models improved parental education regarding the understanding of liver anatomy and physiology, tumour characteristics, surgical procedure, and associated surgical risks.