Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Case Reports
. 2025 Apr 25;2025(4):rjaf239.
doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf239. eCollection 2025 Apr.

A comprehensive approach to the surgical management of a complex abdominal sarcoma utilizing advanced imaging and 3D printing technology: a case report

Cristopher Ca  1 , Xiaoshi Jin  1 , Hongbo Zhao  1 , Jia Liu  1 , Yuexiang Dong  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

A comprehensive approach to the surgical management of a complex abdominal sarcoma utilizing advanced imaging and 3D printing technology: a case report

Cristopher Ca et al. J Surg Case Rep. .

Abstract

This case report presents the surgical management of a complex abdominal sarcoma in a 33-year-old female patient, emphasizing the pivotal role of advanced imaging and three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in optimizing surgical outcomes. The study aimed to explore the clinical value of integrating computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and patient-specific 3D-printed models for preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and postoperative evaluation. A multidisciplinary team utilized Mimics23 software to generate a detailed 3D reconstruction of the tumor and its intricate anatomical relationships with the ileocecal region, appendix, and colon. This model guided the precise resection of a 15 × 10 × 10 cm high-grade sarcoma, minimizing damage to adjacent critical structures. The technology-enhanced approach resulted in complete tumor excision with clear margins, and postoperative no complications. This case underscores the potential of 3D visualization and printing to address the challenges of complex abdominal sarcomas, offering a paradigm for personalized surgical strategies in oncology.

Keywords: 3D imaging; case report; extraskeletal osteosarcoma; giant abdominal tumor; patient-specific modeling.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

No conflict of interest to be declared by the authors.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Contrast-enhanced CT showing the retroperitoneal mass, and Mimics23 3D model (tumor: red; ileum; vasculature; 3-Matic®15).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mimics23 3D model (3-Matic®15 simulation of surgical margins). Blue arrow: ileocecal region; yellow arrow: appendix.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Histopathological analysis shows spindle cell tumor, combined with immunohistochemical results, conforms to high-grade sarcoma, considering extra bone osteosarcoma.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Intraoperative view demonstrating tumor adherence to the ileocolic artery.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Osterberg J, Bergqvist D, Haglund U, et al. Buksarkom--sällsynta tumörer som kräver multispecialistbedömning. Utvärdering av kirurgisk handläggning i sarkomteam [abdominal sarcomas--rare tumors requiring multidisciplinary approach. Evaluation of surgical management in a sarcoma team]. Lakartidningen 2002;99:490–4, Swedish. - PubMed
    1. Zhu H, Wu J, Cheng K, et al. Clinical study on the effects of Total hip arthroplasty assisted by virtual planning combined with intraoperative navigation templates. Orthop Surg 2024;17:831–40. 10.1111/os.14335. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Song C, Min JH, Jeong WK, et al. Use of individualized 3D-printed models of pancreatic cancer to improve surgeons' anatomic understanding and surgical planning. Eur Radiol 2023;33:7646–55. 10.1007/s00330-023-09756-0. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Ruff SM, Grignol VP, Contreras CM, et al. Morbidity and mortality after surgery for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Curr Oncol 2022;30:492–505. 10.3390/curroncol30010039. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Bracale U, Iacone B, Tedesco A, et al. The use of mixed reality in the preoperative planning of colorectal surgery: preliminary experience with a narrative review. Cir Esp (Engl Ed) 2024;102:S36–44. 10.1016/j.cireng.2024.01.006. - DOI - PubMed

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources