Hackensack University Medical Center Finds IRIS Segmented 3D Model Increases Precision in Robotic Partial Nephrectomy

Journal of Urology case analysis shows using 3D model intraoperatively improves renal function preservation in complex tumor removal

A Hackensack University Medical Center study found that using IRIS, a segmented 3D model, increases surgical precision during robotic partial nephrectomy. The findings were published in The Journal of Urology.

Preservation of renal parenchyma is a priority when performing a partial nephrectomy. While historically surgeons have relied heavily on cross-sectional imaging to plan and guide their surgery, 2D cross-sectional imaging presents limitations. 3D models have been shown to improve pre-procedure planning and intraoperative navigation in assorted urologic procedures.

IRIS anatomical visualization software generates a segmented 3D model, allowing improved visualization of the tumor and surrounding structures to help guide surgeons.

In the study, researchers performed a propensity score matched analysis between 18 IRIS and non-IRIS patients to determine whether using a segmental 3D model would improve renal parenchymal volume preservation in partial nephrectomy cases. The findings demonstrated that using a segmental 3D model intraoperatively when performing a partial nephrectomy on complex tumors does improve renal parenchymal preservation.

“This is the first study to report the effect of using 3D models generated by IRIS on renal volume preservation after robotic partial nephrectomy in propensity score matched cohorts. Our results are clinically significant as the current literature emphasizes the importance of preserving renal parenchyma and its effect on postoperative renal function,” said lead author Teona Iarajuli, a Urology research fellow with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

The study’s results open potential to identify additional applications of 3D models generated by IRIS and potentially influence the patients’ postoperative outcomes.

Learn more about innovative urological care at Hackensack University Medical Center.