3D Virtual Models as an Adjunct to Preoperative Surgical Planning

This study aims to determine the feasibility of undertaking a future definitive RCT to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of complementing existing medical scans with a patient-specific interactive 3D virtual model of the patient's body to assist the surgeon with planning for the operation in the best way possible. Renal cancer patients receive a tri-phasic CT scan as routine practice, thus if the standard imaging protocols are followed, there should be ample imaging data available for 3D model creation. This study is a single-site, single-arm, unblinded, prospective, feasibility study aiming to recruit 24 participants from the Royal Free Hospital that are scheduled for robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy. Consenting participants will be recruited over a 6-month period, and interactive 3D virtual models of their anatomy will be generated. These models will be used to aid surgeon-patient communications and to plan for the operation. This study will determine whether a definitive RCT of virtual 3D models as an adjunct to surgery planning is feasible with respect to: recruitment of local authorities and patients; ensuring staff can be adequately trained to deliver programmes within specified timeframes; and assessment of the measurability of key surgical outcomes.