Introduction: the role of 3D printing in surgery

Introduction

The last few decades have seen tremendous progress in surgery with the incorporation of several technological advancements, leading to the increased practice of minimally invasive surgical procedures in general surgery and all the different surgical specialties and subspecialties. The overall goal has been to achieve a more targeted, patient-oriented approach which would combine curing the patient, while at the same time preserving quality and safety of care. One of the more recent technological developments that has left a significant imprint in industry with product design and manufacturing and aeronautics is 3D printing . The amazing success and wide-spread applications of 3D printing meant that it was only a matter of time till this technology drew the interest of physicians and surgeons, interested in expanding these applications in medicine and surgery . Similar to the advent of any new technology and especially in the age of the internet and social media, this led initially to a situation where science and science fiction played equal parts in trying to explain this new technology and its applications; before we could print basic instruments, we would hear talk about 3D printing of human organs. This is not necessarily wrong, as before you create something new, you need to dream of it first before facing the practical realities of realizing your goals. However, it is our duty to stay grounded and ensure that any new technology and its applications in any field, and much more so when it pertains to human lives, are carefully and fully evaluated.

The technology of 3D printing, together with areas such as nanotechnology and biomedicine, are all part of the regenerative medicine effort. This represents a field where engineering and medicine come together to identify ways of preserving or, more likely, replacing basic biological functions in an effort to sustain and improve life. This is a core part of surgery, as it can provide us with answers and solutions to many of the problems that surgeons have to face, including organ failure due to trauma, infection, cancer, or even the frailty of age. This becomes even more critical if we consider the increased longevity of the population together with the increased expectations. Before embarking on this quest, however, it is imperative that certain questions are answered, including

• The history and current status of 3D printing

• What are the possible applications of 3D printing in surgery today?

• What are the challenges and future prospects for 3D printing in surgery?

This chapter will provide a brief overview of the topic and these questions, with the main part to follow in the rest of the book.