3D Scanning of Surgical Specimens to Improve Communication Between Surgeon and Pathologist: A Head and Neck Pilot Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives Successful surgical outcomes in head and neck cancer depend on the accurate identification of resection margins. Effective communication between surgeons and pathologists is critical, but is often jeopardised by challenges in sampling and orienting anatomically complex specimens. This pilot study aims to evaluate the use of 3D scanning of surgical specimens as a tool to improve communication and optimise the pathology sampling process. Methods Two structured light 3D scanners, Cronos Dual and Optor Lab, were used to acquire 3D models of anatomical specimens in both preclinical (cadaver specimens) and clinical contexts (fresh surgical specimens). Surgical margins and critical points were annotated on the digital models. Acquisition quality, operating times and subjective feedback from surgeons and pathologists were evaluated. Results The Optor Lab scanner demonstrated superior image quality, shorter processing times and a more user-friendly interface than the Cronos Dual. Key challenges identified included specimen geometry, surface reflectivity and tissue stability. Feedback from both surgeons and pathologists was positive, highlighting the potential of 3D models to improve the surgical-pathology workflow. Conclusions 3D scanning of surgical specimens provides accurate, detailed digital models that can significantly enhance communication between surgeons and pathologists. This technology shows promise in improving pathological staging and clinical decision making, with further studies required to validate its integration into routine practice.

Keywords: 3D optical scanners; head and neck surgery; inter-specialist communication; surgical specimens.

Figure 1

Graphical summary of the study workflow.

Figure 2

Settings. (A): the 3D Cronos Dual 2.0 Mpx scanner (Open Technologies 3D, Brescia, Italy) positioned at a working distance of 410 mm. The single-plane 360-degree rotating platform is visible in the center of the image. (B): The Optor Lab scanner (Open Tech 3D, Brescia, Italy), with the integrated 360-degree rotating platform with a double axis of rotation and tilting.

Figure 3

Preclinical acquisitions. (A,B): The lateral and medial face of the 3D model of a cadaver’s mandibular specimen, obtained with the 3D Cronos Dual 2.0 Mpx scanner (Open Technologies 3D, Italy). Despite the high volumetric 3D quality, the superficial texture and colors are not satisfactorily realistic. Furthermore, the single axis of rotation of the platform led to quite large areas of void acquisition (white arrows). (C,D): Anterior and posterior view of the cadaver specimen of frontal and ethmoidal bone resection, obtained with an Optor Lab scanner (Open Tech 3D, Italy). The superficial texture and colors are satisfactory, allowing for discrimination between bone, dura (white star), and ethmoidal components (the white arrow indicates the crista galli). Despite the geometrical complexity of the specimen, the multiplanar acquisition allowed by the multiaxial rotating platform led to minimal acquisition voids.

Figure 3

Preclinical acquisitions. (A,B): The lateral and medial face of the 3D model of a cadaver’s mandibular specimen, obtained with the 3D Cronos Dual 2.0 Mpx scanner (Open Technologies 3D, Italy). Despite the high volumetric 3D quality, the superficial texture and colors are not satisfactorily realistic. Furthermore, the single axis of rotation of the platform led to quite large areas of void acquisition (white arrows). (C,D): Anterior and posterior view of the cadaver specimen of frontal and ethmoidal bone resection, obtained with an Optor Lab scanner (Open Tech 3D, Italy). The superficial texture and colors are satisfactory, allowing for discrimination between bone, dura (white star), and ethmoidal components (the white arrow indicates the crista galli). Despite the geometrical complexity of the specimen, the multiplanar acquisition allowed by the multiaxial rotating platform led to minimal acquisition voids.

Figure 4

Acquisitions for ‘clinical case 2’. (A): Medial face of the maxillary surgical specimen from an anterior perspective. The green line highlights the medial mucosa margin on the hard palate (HP). The medial pterygoid muscle is stained pink. The black cross indicates the medullary component of the maxillary bone at its anterior margin. (B): Medial face with posterior perspective. The medial and lateral pterygoid plates are marked in blue and yellow, respectively. In black is shown an acquisition void. (C): Superior face from a posterior perspective. The tumor appears at the level of the floor of the maxillary sinus (MS). (D): Medial face from an anterior perspective. The tumor (T) causes swelling in the superior oral vestibule. The orange line indicates the lateral mucosal margin.