Patient-specific 3D printed kidney models improved comprehension and satisfaction compared to conventional 2D CT scans in PCNL patients3D kidney models improve patient understanding before surgery

Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia : organo ufficiale [di] Societa italiana di ecografia urologica e nefrologica Published May 1, 2026 Study authors: Hosseini Seyed Reza, Pakdel Alireza, Zemanati Yar Ehsan, Chivaee Hossein, Asgari Fardin, Shamshirgar… PubMed ↗ DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Lars van Dijk, PhD · Surgical, Procedural & Diagnostic

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Key Takeaway

Consider using 3D printed kidney models to improve comprehension and satisfaction in PCNL patients.

A randomized clinical study evaluated the utility of patient-specific 3D printed kidney models versus conventional 2D CT scans in a population of 40 individuals aged 18 to 80 planned for PCNL surgery. The study setting was not reported, and the publication type was not reported. The primary outcome measured was comprehension, while secondary outcomes included satisfaction.

The main results indicated that comprehension was significantly higher in the 3D group with a p-value less than 0.05. Similarly, satisfaction was significantly higher in the 3D group with a p-value less than 0.05. Absolute numbers for these outcomes were not reported, and specific effect sizes were not reported.

Safety and tolerability data were not reported, and no adverse events or discontinuations were documented in the available data. The study did not report funding sources or conflicts of interest. Key limitations included the small sample size of 40 participants and the lack of reported follow-up duration.

The practice relevance was not reported, and the study did not provide specific guidance on broader clinical implementation. These results highlight the potential of 3D printing for enhancing patient understanding before PCNL surgery, though the evidence remains limited by its early-stage nature.

This randomized clinical study involved 40 individuals aged 18 to 80 who were planned for PCNL surgery. Participants were divided into two groups to compare how well they understood their condition. One group received patient-specific 3D printed kidney models, while the other group used conventional 2D CT scans. The researchers measured comprehension and satisfaction as the main outcomes.

Results showed that comprehension was significantly higher in the group using the 3D models. Satisfaction scores were also significantly higher for those who viewed the 3D models compared to the 2D scan group. Both differences were statistically significant with a p-value less than 0.05.

No adverse events or discontinuations were reported in this small trial. The study was limited by its small sample size of only 40 people. Because the study was small, these results should be viewed as early evidence. More research is needed to confirm if these benefits hold true for larger groups of patients.

What this means for you:

3D printed kidney models improved patient understanding and satisfaction before surgery in a small trial.

Study Details

Study typeRct

EvidenceLevel 2

PublishedMay 2026

PMID41186258

View Original Abstract ↓

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a crucial treatment for large renal stones and has a high success rate. Patients require comprehensive information about the procedure to make informed decisions. Effective communication between patients and physicians is essential for treatment adherence and postoperative recovery. Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) models has been shown to improve comprehension of complication and increasing confidence in both treatments and surgeons. METHOD: This study involved 40 individuals planned for PCNL surgery, aged 18 to 80, confirmed through computed tomography (CT) scans. They were divided randomly into 2D and 3D groups. The 3D group received detailed information using patient-specific 3D printed kidney models, while the 2D group received education based on conventional 2D CT scan. After the educational session, participants completed a survey to assess their comprehension. Following surgery, participants rated their satisfaction on scale of 1-10. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 3D models in patient comprehension and satisfaction in PCNL surgery. RESULT: The analysis was performed on 40 individuals (23 males, 17 females). Each group comprises 20 participants, with similar demographic and stone feature characteristics. Participant ages ranged from 32 to 66 years with a mean (SD) of 50.0 (8.52) and no significant age or gender differences were seen between the groups. Patients in the 3D group showed significantly higher comprehension in various aspects and satisfaction levels (-values<0.05). CONCLUSION: Incorporating personalized 3D printed models in PCNL surgery has been shown to enhance the patients' comprehension of renal stone features and PCNL procedure. It also increases postoperative satisfaction.

Patient-specific 3D printed kidney models improved comprehension and satisfaction compared to conventional 2D CT scans in PCNL patients3D kidney models improve patient understanding before surgery

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