# 3D-printed navigation templates combined with multimodal imaging assist low-grade glioma surgery: a retrospective cohort study

## TL;DR

This study shows that using 3D-printed navigation templates with imaging improves efficiency and precision in brain tumor surgery.

## Contribution

The study introduces a cost-effective, patient-specific 3D-printed navigation method for low-grade glioma surgery.

## Key findings

- 3D-printed group had shorter operative times and fewer intraoperative navigation checks.
- Tumor resection extent was comparable, with a trend toward lower residual volumes in the 3D group.
- Postoperative outcomes and complication rates were similar between the 3D and control groups.

## Abstract

To evaluate the feasibility of using patient-specific 3D-printed navigation templates combined with multimodal imaging for low-grade glioma (LGG) surgery.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 55 patients with supratentorial LGGs. Twenty-seven patients underwent surgery guided by a 3D-printed navigation template with multimodal 3D imaging (3D-printed group), and 28 received conventional neuronavigation-assisted surgery (control group). Perioperative outcomes—including operative time, tumor resection extent, intraoperative navigation usage, complications, and functional recovery—were compared.

The 3D-printed group had significantly shorter operative times (256.2 ± 9.8 vs. 271.6 ± 8.9 min, P < 0.05) and required fewer intraoperative navigation checks (0.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.3 ± 1.6, P < 0.05). Tumor resection extent was comparable; residual volumes were categorized objectively (<10, 10–20, >20 cm³), with a trend toward lower residuals in the 3D group. Postoperative KPS scores and complication rates were similar between groups.

Combining 3D-printed navigation templates with multimodal imaging enhances surgical precision and efficiency in LGG resection while reducing dependence on costly intraoperative systems. This approach is safe, cost-effective, and especially useful in resource-limited environments.