Urology

Comprehensive Summary

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the United Kingdom, affecting one in eight men and causing over 11,500 deaths each year. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the standard surgical treatment, but it requires a clear understanding of the prostate’s 3D structure and any tumors present. Surgeons must balance removing enough tissue to reduce the risk of cancer being left behind (positive surgical margins, or PSMs) with preserving the nerves that control bladder control and sexual function, both important for quality of life. Erectile dysfunction remains a common concern after RARP, with reported rates ranging from 14% to 90%. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) helps with diagnosis and planning, and while 3D models (virtual, printed, or augmented reality) may reduce PSMs, their effect on long-term function is still uncertain. This study aims to test whether 3D models can lower PSM rates and improve functional outcomes after RARP. It is a single-centre feasibility study with two intervention groups (patients receiving 3D printed or 3D virtual models) and two control groups (retrospective and prospective). The main outcome is PSM rates, while secondary outcomes include bladder control, erectile function, patient-reported continence scores, and feasibility measures such as recruitment and successful use of models in surgery. Eligible participants are men with intermediate prostate cancer near key nerves, confirmed by mpMRI, while men with prior treatment, pre-existing problems with continence or erections, or anterior tumors will be excluded. Patients will complete baseline questionnaires and consent forms, and radiologists will use imaging to create either printed or virtual 3D models to guide surgery. Controls will be matched to reduce bias. A total of 270 patients were recruited: 108 prospective controls, 54 retrospective controls, 54 in the 3D printed group, and 54 in the 3D virtual group. Outcomes will be tracked for up to 12 months, and data will be analyzed to compare groups. This study is one of the first to directly test both printed and virtual models to guide future trials.

Outcomes and Implications

This study highlights the potential for 3D models to make prostate cancer surgery more precise and potentially easier for surgeons to perform. If proven effective, such models could improve patient outcomes by reducing surgical complications and preserving quality of life. However, further research with larger trials and surgeons of varying levels of experience is needed to confirm these benefits and determine how best to integrate 3D models into routine surgical practice.

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AIIM Research

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© 2025 AIIM. Created by AIIM IT Team

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© 2025 AIIM. Created by AIIM IT Team

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© 2025 AIIM. Created by AIIM IT Team