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.