Contributions of the three-dimensional printer to craniosynostosis surgerys

Purpose: In craniosynostosis surgery, it is essential to reduce the duration of the operation and minimize blood loss. Currently, the use of three-dimensional printers and bioprinters is on the rise, and this article aims to investigate the impact of this technology on craniosynostosis surgery. Materials and methods: The files of patients who underwent open craniosynostosis surgery were examined. The group without 3D-printed preoperative modeling was designated as Group 1 (5 patients), and the group with 3D-printed preoperative modeling was designated as Group 2 (12 patients). The files of all cases were retrospectively reviewed and compared, focusing on their erythrocyte replacement needs, operation durations, and demographic information. Results: The average age in the 1st group was 13.70 months, and the average age in the 2nd group was 9.1 months. While the average volume of ES replacement was 190 mL in the first group, it was 142 mL in the second group. The need for erythrocyte replacement was found to be less in cases with 3D-printed preoperative modeling. Additionally, while the mean operation duration was 3.3 hours in the 1st group, it was 2.4 hours in the 2nd group. The average follow-up period in the first group was 2.37 years, and in the second group, it was 2.05 years—no complications developed in any of our cases. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that preoperative modeling using a three-dimensional printer reduces the duration of surgery and requires fewer blood transfusions.