Three dimensional model for surgical planning in resection of thoracic tumors

INTRODUCTION: The computed tomography scan provides vital information about the relationship of thoracic malignancies to the surrounding structures and aids in surgical planning. However, it can be difficult to visualize the images in a two-dimensional screen to interpret the full extent of the relationship between important structures in the surgical field. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report two cases where we used a three-dimensional printed model to aid in the surgical resection of thoracic malignancies. DISCUSSION: Careful planning is necessary to resect thoracic malignancies. Although two-dimensional images of the thoracic malignancies provide vital information about the tumor and its surrounding structures, the three-dimensional printed model can provide more accurate information about the tumor and assist in surgical planning. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional printed model provide better visualization of complex thoracic tumors, aid in counseling the patient about the surgical procedure and assisted in surgical resection of thoracic malignancy.