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. 2022 Aug;36(8):5907-5920.
doi: 10.1007/s00464-022-09176-z. Epub 2022 Mar 11.

The current and possible future role of 3D modelling within oesophagogastric surgery: a scoping review

Henry Robb  1   2 , Gemma Scrimgeour  1 , Piers Boshier  1   2 , Anna Przedlacka  1   2 , Svetlana Balyasnikova  3 , Gina Brown  2   3 , Fernando Bello  2 , Christos Kontovounisios  4   5   6
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The current and possible future role of 3D modelling within oesophagogastric surgery: a scoping review

Henry Robb et al. Surg Endosc. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Background: 3D reconstruction technology could revolutionise medicine. Within surgery, 3D reconstruction has a growing role in operative planning and procedures, surgical education and training as well as patient engagement. Whilst virtual and 3D printed models are already used in many surgical specialities, oesophagogastric surgery has been slow in their adoption. Therefore, the authors undertook a scoping review to clarify the current and future roles of 3D modelling in oesophagogastric surgery, highlighting gaps in the literature and implications for future research.

Methods: A scoping review protocol was developed using a comprehensive search strategy based on internationally accepted guidelines and tailored for key databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Elsevier Scopus and ISI Web of Science). This is available through the Open Science Framework (osf.io/ta789) and was published in a peer-reviewed journal. Included studies underwent screening and full text review before inclusion. A thematic analysis was performed using pre-determined overarching themes: (i) surgical training and education, (ii) patient education and engagement, and (iii) operative planning and surgical practice. Where applicable, subthemes were generated.

Results: A total of 56 papers were included. Most research was low-grade with 88% (n = 49) of publications at or below level III evidence. No randomised control trials or systematic reviews were found. Most literature (86%, n = 48) explored 3D reconstruction within operative planning. These were divided into subthemes of pre-operative (77%, n = 43) and intra-operative guidance (9%, n = 5). Few papers reported on surgical training and education (14%, n = 8), and were evenly subcategorised into virtual reality simulation (7%, n = 4) and anatomical teaching (7%, n = 4). No studies utilising 3D modelling for patient engagement and education were found.

Conclusion: The use of 3D reconstruction is in its infancy in oesophagogastric surgery. The quality of evidence is low and key themes, such as patient engagement and education, remain unexplored. Without high quality research evaluating the application and benefits of 3D modelling, oesophagogastric surgery may be left behind.

Keywords: 3D printing; Augmented reality; Computer-generated 3D imaging; Gastrointestinal diseases; General surgery; Virtual reality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors contributing to this manuscript Mr Henry Robb, Ms Gemma Scrimgeour, Mr Piers Boshier, Ms Anna Przedlacka, Dr Svetlana Balyasnikova, Professor Gina Brown, Professor Fernando Bello, and Mr Christos Kontovounisios, have no conflicts of interest to declare or financial relationships relevant to the generation and publication of this research.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Creation of a virtual reality 3D model and its application
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
PRIMSA flow diagram for study identification, screening and inclusion
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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