3D-Aided Manufacturing of Nose Prosthesis after Total Rhinectomy-A Case Report - Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common carcinoma in the world. Often the treatment is simple and effective but in some cases skin cancers invade deeper tissue and require major reconstructive surgery, especially when located in the facial area. Plastic surgeons and anaplastologists tend to use old pictures from the respected area before the cancer presented to recreate the area for an aesthetic result. 3D-aided reconstruction might just be the step we need to optimize reconstructive success.
Patient is a 75-year-old comorbid Caucasian woman treated for T3N0M0 nodular basal cell carcinoma on left ala nasi with erosion. Plastic surgeons reconstructed a total rhinectomy defect with a free flap. Pre surgery CT scans was used in collaboration with in-house 3D engineers to regenerate a mirrored image for the anaplastologists to create the nasal prosthesis.
The multidisciplinary team of surgeons, 3D engineers and anaplastologist can achieve aesthetical facial reconstructions using the emerging field of 3D imaging and printing. The beneficial reward of this personalized solution for the patient might lead to better results for the patient in some cases. Usage of 3D imaging as well as printing is a growing field and this case show a new perspective to include this method in reconstructive surgery.