In traditional oral tumor surgeries, bone reconstruction is often necessary. Previously, surgeons had to rely on experience and 2D imaging to plan surgeries, which frequently led to inaccuracies in reconstruction, affecting patients’ bite function and appearance. A team led by Professor Chih-Hung Lin at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital has developed a 3D printing-assisted Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) technology. This technology uses CT scans to accurately reconstruct a 3D model of the patient’s oral cavity and employs 3D printing to create customized surgical guides. With intraoperative oral 3D scanning, dental implants can be completed in one day, allowing patients to go home with temporary dentures and resume eating. This innovative approach significantly improves surgical precision, reduces operating time, and enhances patients’ postoperative quality of life.

3D-Printed Surgical Guides: A Precision Tool for Oral Tumor Treatment

This system uses the patient's 3D CT images, employing Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) to precisely design and 3D print customized surgical guides, offering oral tumor patients more accurate treatment options. The advantages of this technology include:

Precise Preoperative Planning: Using 3D CT scans, surgeons can accurately reconstruct a 3D model of the patient’s oral cavity and conduct virtual surgical planning, providing a clearer view of the surgery process.

Customized Surgical Guides: Based on individual patient differences, 3D-printed surgical guides are tailored to ensure surgical precision. The materials used in the guides are highly biocompatible.

Reduced Surgery Time: By attaching the guide to the bone, it directs the surgeon to cut or position implants along the guide’s pre-designed grooves or pre-drilled holes, enabling stable, quick, and accurate removal of the tumor or placement of implants, enhancing bone alignment, and significantly reducing surgery time and anesthesia risk.

Increased Surgical Success Rate: The precise positioning provided by the guide effectively reduces surgical risks and increases the success rate of the procedure.

Professor Chih-Hung Lin of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital: 3D Printing-Assisted VSP Technology Offers Better Outcomes for Oral Cancer Patients

Professor Lin noted that oral cancer surgeries often result in large bone defects. Traditional fibula graft reconstruction surgeries frequently lack precision, affecting patients’ bite function and quality of life. The introduction of 3D printing-assisted VSP technology acts like a "bone puzzle" for surgeons, dramatically improving the accuracy and efficiency of surgeries and reducing postoperative complications. This technology brings new hope to oral cancer treatment by providing patients with more precise and personalized treatment plans, allowing for dental implants and temporary dentures post-surgery, greatly improving their postoperative quality of life.

Professor Lin emphasized that this technology not only elevates Taiwan’s medical standards but also positions Taiwan’s medical advancements on the global stage. The team plans to continue refining the technology and expanding its applications, bringing benefits to more patients in the future.

Resource (mandarin): 3D列印骨骼拼圖 精準動刀重建口腔癌友人生