Abstract

3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that uses incrementally timed layers of materials to build 3D objects. Colorectal cancer is the second most frequent cancer, affecting over one million people each year. Over the past decade, TAMIS (transanal minimally invasive surgery) has gained interest for resection of early rectal carcinoma. However the conventional SILS (single-incision laparoscopic surgery) port used in TAMIS had a few drawbacks. To date there are no studies evaluating the 3D printing of SILS port. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical safety and operability of 3D printed SILS port and compare the efficacy of same over conventional SILS port in TAMIS. Methods: This is a randomised control study conducted in Victoria Hospital Bengaluru from October 2022 to March 2023 included 36 patients who underwent TAMIS using conventional SILS port and 3D printed SILS port. Data on technical aspects of 3D printed SILS port over conventional port were assessed using various parameters. Results: In our study the port placement using 3D printed port was very easy in 38.9% of the patients as compared to conventional port where it was 11.1%. Similarly, easy instrumentation and good insufflation was found in 55.6% with 3D printed port as compared to conventional port (5.6%) ,whereas durability of conventional port was good in 50% of cases compared to 3D printed port which was only 11.1%.

Description