Biomodelling of skull base tumours

Stereolithographic (SL) biomodelling is a new technology that allows three- dimensional computed tomography magnetic resuance data to be used to genera te solid plastic replicas of anatomical structures (biomodels). A prospecti ve trial of 11 patients to assess the utility of SL biomodelling in skull b ase tumour surgery has been performed. Biomodels were manufactured and used for patient education, diagnosis and operative planning. The results sugge st that biomodelling has significant utility in skull base tumour surgery a nd is a cost-effective technology. Biomodels were found to be particularly effective for surgical simulation and the production of customised craniopl astic implants for reconstruction after tumour resection.