Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42165966›Full record

Article3D printing in medicine2026

Development and preliminary validation of a multidisciplinary 3D‑printed skull base model for endoscopic endonasal surgical training.

B Sanz-Peña, M Suffo, L Galán-Romero, A Jiménez-Alba, V García-Alcántara, I Iglesias-Lozano, F Rodríguez-Peña

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in 3D printing in medicine, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

B Sanz-PeñaDepartment of Neurosurgery Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz, 11009, Spain. bsanzpena@gmail.com.
M SuffoDepartment of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design, Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation of Cadiz (INiBICA), High School of Engineering, University of Cadiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz, 11009, Spain.
L Galán-RomeroResearch Group "Biomedical Innovation in Osteoarticular Surgery" Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation of Cadiz (INiBICA), "Puerta del Mar" University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz, 11009, Spain.
A Jiménez-AlbaResearch Group "Biomedical Innovation in Osteoarticular Surgery" Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation of Cadiz (INiBICA), "Puerta del Mar" University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz, 11009, Spain.
V García-AlcántaraResearch Group "Biomedical Innovation in Osteoarticular Surgery" Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation of Cadiz (INiBICA), "Puerta del Mar" University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz, 11009, Spain.
I Iglesias-LozanoDepartment of Neurosurgery Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz, 11009, Spain.
F Rodríguez-PeñaDepartment of Neurosurgery Puerta del Mar University Hospital, University of Cádiz, Avda. Ana de Viya, 21, Cádiz, 11009, Spain.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveThe aim of the article is to present the development and application of a 3D-printed skull base model, which includes the internal carotid arteries, tumour and the optic nerve, to train neurosurgeons and ear, nose and throat (ENT) in performing the endonasal endoscopic approach (EEA). This procedure is challenging due to the proximity of critical structures such as nerves, blood vessels and brain. METHODOLOGY: The 3D model was generated using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which provided detailed anatomical data. These scans were processed with 3D reconstruction software to accurately replicate the key areas, including the tumour and surrounding structures. Neurosurgery and ENT consultants and residents, practised the EEA using these printed models. After completing the procedures, participants filled out a questionnaire to evaluate the realism and reliability of the model by applying a statistical analysis appropriate to the study.

resultsThe participants reported that the 3D-printed models provided a highly realistic simulation of the anatomical structures involved in the EEA. The model was deemed effective in replicating the key areas of interest, allowing them to safely practise the procedure in a controlled environment. Our results show that in two days approximately and for less than 10€, the surgeon may have the opportunity to train the surgery after establishing the printing parameters. A strong positive correlation was found among these variables (p < 0.01), suggesting that those who found the model useful also perceived a greater clinical applicability and believed that the 3D-printed model could help improve their surgical skills.

conclusionsThe study demonstrates that 3D-printed models based on MRI and CT scans offer a reliable and realistic method for surgical training. These models provide an essential tool for practising complex procedures, such as the EEA, improving the safety and effectiveness of surgical training and potentially enhancing patient outcomes.

Indexed as

3D printingEndoscopic-endonasal surgerySkull base surgerySurgical planningSurgical simulation

Identifiers

PMID42165966
PMCPMC13244829

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.