The Impossible Tumour
When six-year-old Leah arrived at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with back pain, it was the first sign of a large, life-threatening tumour deep within her abdomen. For her family, it marked the start of a terrifying journey. For the clinical team at Alder Hey, it presented a formidable challenge: how to safely remove a tumour wrapped around vital organs, without endangering her life.
In complex paediatric cases like Leah’s, conventional imaging techniques—CT scans and MRIs—can fall short. While they offer valuable insights, they don’t always provide the depth and clarity needed to navigate high-risk surgeries in tiny bodies. For Leah, the tumour’s size and location made it exceptionally difficult for surgeons to plot a safe route. Every millimetre mattered.
Precision Meets Innovation: The Power of 3D Printing
Recognising the need for a more precise visual aid, the Alder Hey team partnered with Insight Surgery (formerly 3d LifePrints) to produce a cutting-edge 3D print. Using Leah’s scans, specialists created a detailed, life-sized model of the tumour and surrounding organs. This wasn’t just a replica—it was a breakthrough.
For the first time, the team could physically handle the intricate complexities of Leah’s tumour before entering the operating theatre. The 3D model revealed spatial relationships that were hard to interpret on screens alone, allowing surgeons to plan the procedure down to the finest detail. It even helped them rehearse the most critical parts of the surgery beforehand.
The Operation That Changed Everything
Armed with this new perspective, the surgeons from Alder Hey and the Royal Hospital Liverpool were able to perform a delicate and targeted procedure, successfully removing most of the tumour. The operation—a challenge once deemed impossible and rejected by several major paediatric centres —was completed with remarkable precision. Leah’s recovery was swift. Within two weeks, she was up, smiling, and ready to begin radiotherapy.
A Blueprint for the Future of Care
Leah’s case is more than a heartwarming story—it’s a testament to the power of innovation in healthcare. Alder Hey has since expanded its use of 3D modelling for surgical planning, recognising its potential to transform patient outcomes and save lives. What began as an experimental tool has become a vital part of how the hospital delivers world-class paediatric care.
As 3D printing technology continues to evolve, so too does its ability to personalise and revolutionise treatment. For Leah and many children like her, the future is no longer uncertain—it’s being shaped, layer by layer, with hope and precision.
Related Content
