Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for large adrenal tumor guided by a 3D anatomic model. New frontiers in abdominal surgery

If until few years ago the surgeon could study a complex surgery only on the basis of two-dimensional images, today can use 3D physical models on a scale of 1 to 1 of an organ. We report the case of a 53 years old woman with Cushing’s syndrome and a giant right adrenal tumor. To better define the relationship between the neoplasm and inferior vena cava, the vascularization of the adrenal gland, any anatomical anomalies and the specific location of the middle adrenal vein, a 3D printed model was created in 1: 1 size based on the preoperative CT. A laparoscopic right adrenalectomy was performed. No intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed with resolution of the adrenal disorder. This case highlights the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of 3D anatomical models for correct preoperative planning, the surgeon’s intraoperative guidance to reduce possible errors and therefore improve the patient’s postoperative outcome.