title: 3D modeling-based surgical planning in transsphenoidal pituitary surgery--preliminary results.
abstract: CONCLUSIONS
  The preoperative three-dimensional (3D) modeling of the pituitary adenoma together with pituitary gland, optic nerves, carotid arteries, and the sphenoid sinuses was adopted for routine use in our institution for all pituitary surgery patients. It gave the surgeon a more profound orientation to the individual surgical field compared with the use of conventional 2D images only.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the feasibility of 3D surgical planning for pituitary adenoma surgery using readily available resources.
  
  
  METHODS
  The computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of 40 consecutive patients with pituitary adenoma were used to construct 3D models to be used in preoperative planning and during the surgery. A freely available, open source program (3D Slicer) downloaded to a conventional personal computer (PC) was applied.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors present a brief description of the 3D reconstruction-based surgical planning workflow. In addition to the preoperative planning the 3D model was used as a 'road map' during the operation. With the 3D model the surgeon was more confident when opening the sellar wall and when evacuating the tumor from areas in contact with vital structures than when using only conventional 2D images.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland. antti.raappana@oulu.fi
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Raappana
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Koivukangas
authors.forename: Tapio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Pirilä
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D055815:Young Adult