AIIMS Bhopal Adopts 3D Printing for Safer Kidney Surgeries

The Department of Urology at the institute has received a research grant of INR 9 lakh from the MPCST to initiate the project.

AIIMS Bhopal is set to integrate 3D printing technology into kidney stone surgeries, aiming to enhance surgical safety and precision. 

The Department of Urology at the institute has received a research grant of INR 9 lakh from the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MPCST) to initiate the project.

Under the leadership of Dr Ketan Mehra, Associate Professor and Urologist, the research will focus on developing customised 3D-printed puncture guides for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). These guides will aid pre-surgical planning using patient-specific kidney models derived from CT scans.

“The project is a meaningful step toward integrating precision-based technology into surgical procedures. With the help of 3D-printed guides, complex surgical procedures like PCNL can be personalized and standardized, potentially setting new benchmarks in urological care,” said Dr Ajai Singh, Director, AIIMS Bhopal.

The grant includes INR 7 lakh for the procurement of an advanced resin-based 3D printer that uses DLP/SLA technology, and INR 2 lakh for the remuneration of a Junior Research Fellow over two years.

Dr Vikram Vatti, from the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CTVS), is the project's co-Principal Investigator. Tailored 3D-printed surgical instruments are expected to lower complication rates, reduce operation time, and improve patient outcomes.

Dr Mehra said, “The initiative aims to improve the safety and effectiveness of PCNL, especially in patients with complex anatomical variations.”

The project marks a strategic shift in preoperative planning for kidney surgeries. It enables surgeons to visualize stone locations in advance and plan minimally invasive procedures with improved accuracy.

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