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International Journal of Bioprinting 3D bioprinting in otorhinolaryngology

Figure 10. 3D bioprinting for throat reconstruction and head and neck surgery. (A) Segmental trachea reconstruction surgery and therapeutic outcome
(adapted from ref. ). (B) Treatment of tracheal agenesis with esophagotracheoplasty and implantation of a 3D-printed bioresorbable external splint and
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outcome (adapted with permission from ref. ). (C) Orthotopic transplantation of a tracheal graft (adapted with permission from ref. ).
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technology that provides a unique perspective for the technology, the relationship between the size of the lesion
diagnosis and treatment of otorhinolaryngologic diseases. tissue and the surrounding structures can be visualized
The organs related to otorhinolaryngology often pose great prior to the operation, and the surgical procedure can be
challenges to surgical procedures due to their complex planned and simulated using the reconstruction model.
anatomical structures, location in the lacunar space, This approach reduces the operation time, invasiveness,
the importance of adjacent structures, and structural and patient complications, ultimately shortening the
variabilities. The experience of the surgeons and guidance recovery period and improving the patients’ quality of life.
from imaging data are important to improve surgical
control and reduce surgical risks. However, these factors Bioinks have been widely studied in recent years, and
do not provide a clear visual of the anatomical structures, many kinds of bioinks can be used in otorhinolaryngology.
thereby jeopardizing the surgical procedure in its entirety. These bioinks have good properties, including printability,
With the combination of 3D bioprinting and imaging, the degradability, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties.
complex anatomy of the human body can be reproduced However, current bioinks cannot accurately mimic the
stereoscopically and visually. With the improvement of structure of complex tissues, prompting further crosslinking
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bioprinting technology, the resolution of 3D bioprinting modifications, compound bioink formulations, and other
has also been significantly improved, and some tissue methods to deliver better performance. 203,204 The current
structures (including blood vessels, nerves, etc.) can be bioinks have been able to print scaffold structures for a
restored through 3D bioprinting. Owing to 3D bioprinting variety of tissues to replace cartilage structures, such as ears,

Volume 10 Issue 4 (2024) 50 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3006