Simulation and navigation of living donor hepatectomy using a unique three-dimensional printed liver model with soft and transparent parenchyma

Three-dimensional printed liver models have been used for preoperative simulation. Unlike the standard three-dimensional system on a monitor, the three-dimensional printed model can be observed from any angle manually; therefore, surgeons can obtain a clear image directly from the model. We herein report the use of a unique three-dimensional liver model with a soft and transparent liver parenchyma. Through the parenchyma, the surgeons can observe the intrahepatic vessels and perform incisions in the model as a preoperative simulation. In this study, we applied this model to donor hepatectomy, which under most circumstances requires meticulous attention to detail. The actual processes and uses of a three-dimensional liver model in clinical surgery for liver transplantation are presented.