Presented by: Stefano Resca MD
UNIMORE

Introduction

In the past few years many things are changing in urology. The advent of new technologies, such as 3D reconstruction, augmented reality and artificial intelligence, seems increasingly more crucial to offer the better standard of healthcare and to reach the best possible surgical outcome. In this study we wanted to show the 3D reconstruction to the patients undergoing partial nephrectomy using a hologram projector, in order to assess a better understanding of the procedure and its risks.

Materials

We selected patients from 18 to 80 years, capable of intentions and desire, with a new diagnosis of renal tumor. All the patients were diagnosed with a contrast enhanced CT scans. First of all, we standardized the counseling by showing to all the patients the CT scans and explaining for the first time the anatomy and the procedure. Then, with the help of the Biomedic Engineering of UNIMORE, which provided us the 3D reconstruction of patients with renal tumor, we developed a hologram of every reconstruction. We shown the reconstructions to the patients at first on the computer screen, then with the support of Hololens and, finally, with the support of a hologram projector. All the patients submitted a survey for the evaluation of their understanding of the anatomy, the surgery and the possible complications with a five grade Likert scale (from 1 to 5).

Results

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The first 10 patients who submitted the surveys shown a better understanding with the holograms than with the CT scans only. The average result of understanding with the CT was 3,2±0,8, with the 3D reconstruction it was 3,8±0,8, with the Hololens it was 4±0,5 and with the hologram projector it was 4,6±0,2. All the patients felt more relieved and underwent the surgery with less anxiety.

Conclusion

In this study we demonstrated that the holograms are an excellent way to assess a better understanding in patient counseling. A cost-benefit analysis could be useful to assess the cost-effectiveness of the methodic compared to 3D printing. 

 

Funding

None

Co-Authors

Salvatore Micali, MD
UNIMORE

Stefano Puliatti, MD
UNIMORE

Stefania Ferretti, MD
UNIMORE

Federica Ferraguti, MD
UNIMORE