Abstract:ObjectiveTo decrease the surgical risk and blindness and increase surgical accuracy for advanced malignant tumors of head and neck, threedimension (3D) printing technique is applied to reestablish the model of patients'head and neck region, concisely remove the tumor and optimize the reconstruction and rehabilitation strategies for postoperative defect.Methods10 patients with advanced malignant tumors of head and neck hospitalized in our department from Jan 2013 to Dec 2015 were enrolled. Before operation, 3D CT or MRI and blood vessel function imaging were performed to construct 3D model for the confirmation of operation and rehabilitation scopes in all the patients.ResultsEnbloc removal of tumor and reconstruction of postoperative defect was achieved successfully in all patients. The removed tumors were primarily located at mandible (n=5), maxilla (n=2), combined invasion of maxilla, soft palate and skull base (n=2), and pterygopalatine fossa (n=1). No serious complications occurred after operation. Postoperative followup durations ranged from 6 to 24 months with a median of 14 months. All the patients got satisfactory effect except primary tumor recurrence in one case.ConclusionsThe 3D printing technique can assist surgeons in completing removal of advanced tumor in head and neck region with reduction of surgical risk. Meanwhile it can also greatly improve the function and appearance of patients after operation.
