Evaluation of three-dimensional printing for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy of renal tumors: a preliminary report.

Objectives: To investigate the impact of three-dimensional (3D) printing on the surgical planning, potential of training and patients' comprehension of minimally invasive surgery for renal tumors.

Methods: Patients of a T1N0M0 single renal tumor and indicated for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy were selected. CT data were sent for post-processing and output to the 3D printer to create kidney models with tumor.

Effectiveness of the UroMentor virtual reality simulator in the skill acquisition of flexible cystoscopy.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) has been recognized as a useful modality in the training of surgical skills. With respect to basic endoscopic skill training of urology, we sought to investigate the effectiveness of the UroMentor(TM) virtual reality simulator (VRS) in the skill acquisition of flexible cystoscopy.

Methods: Urologists familiar with rigid cystoscopy procedures were selected to take part in a virtual training course of flexible cystoscopy.

Training for percutaneous renal access on a virtual reality simulator.

Background: The need to develop new methods of surgical training combined with advances in computing has led to the development of virtual reality surgical simulators. The PERC Mentor(TM) is designed to train the user in percutaneous renal collecting system access puncture. This study aimed to validate the use of this kind of simulator, in percutaneous renal access training.

Virtual reality simulator for training urologists on transurethral prostatectomy.

Background: A virtual reality simulator provides a novel training model for improving surgical skills in a variety of fields. They can simulate a variety of surgical scenarios to improve the overall skills required for endoscopic operations, and also record the operative process of trainees in real-time and allow for objective evaluation. At present, some simulators for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) are available.

Screening for the serum differential proteins of renal cell carcinoma using magnetic beads-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

Objective: To screen for the differential protein peaks of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using magnetic beads-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).

Methods: Serum proteins were profiled by magnetic beads (WCX) from 62 RCC patients and 37 patients with benign renal space-occupying lesions. Protein peaks were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS.