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3D bioprinting: a review and potential applications for Mohs micrographic surgery

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Abstract

Mohs Micrographic Surgery (MMS) is effective for treating common cutaneous malignancies, but complex repairs may often present challenges for reconstruction. This paper explores the potential of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting in MMS, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional methods. 3D printing technologies show promise in advancing skin regeneration and refining surgical techniques in dermatologic surgery. A PubMed search was conducted using the following keywords: “Three-dimensional bioprinting” OR “3-D printing” AND “Mohs” OR “Mohs surgery” OR “Surgery.” Peer-reviewed English articles discussing medical applications of 3D bioprinting were included, while non-peer-reviewed and non-English articles were excluded. Patients using 3D MMS models had lower anxiety scores (3.00 to 1.7, p < 0.0001) and higher knowledge assessment scores (5.59 or 93.25% correct responses), indicating better understanding of their procedure. Surgical residents using 3D models demonstrated improved proficiency in flap reconstructions (p = 0.002) and knowledge assessment (p = 0.001). Additionally, 3D printing offers personalized patient care through tailored surgical guides and anatomical models, reducing intraoperative time while enhancing surgical. Concurrently, efforts in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are being explored as potential alternatives to address organ donor shortages, eliminating autografting needs. However, challenges like limited training and technological constraints persist. Integrating optical coherence tomography with 3D bioprinting may expedite grafting, but challenges remain in pre-printing grafts for complex cases. Regulatory and ethical considerations are paramount for patient safety, and further research is needed to understand long-term effects and cost-effectiveness. While promising, significant advancements are necessary for full utilization in MMS.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery for their ongoing support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA

    Anika Pulumati

  2. Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA

    Yanci A. Algarin

  3. University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Sarah Kim

  4. Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Steven Latta

  5. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, 455 NE 24th St. Apt 615, Miami, FL, 33137, USA

    Anika Pulumati, Yanci A. Algarin, Jeffrey N. Li & Keyvan Nouri

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Contributions

AP initiated the topic idea and organized the paper structure. AP, YA, SK, and SL contributed to writing the manuscript. JL and KN thoroughly reviewed the final version of the paper to provide us with constructive feedback, preparing the paper for final submission.

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Correspondence to Anika Pulumati.

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Pulumati, A., Algarin, Y.A., Kim, S. et al. 3D bioprinting: a review and potential applications for Mohs micrographic surgery. Arch Dermatol Res 316, 147 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-02893-6

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