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Three-Dimensional-Printed Liver Model Helps Learners Identify Hepatic Subsegments: A Randomized-Controlled Cross-Over
Victor G Chedid1, Amika A Kamath2, John M Knudsen2
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 6, 2020
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D)-printed models significantly improved physicians' ability to identify liver segments compared to 2D images. This study highlights 3D models as effective tools for learning hepatic anatomy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Anatomy
- Surgical Training
Background:
- Accurate identification of liver segments is crucial for surgical planning and execution.
- Traditional 2D imaging may present limitations in conveying complex 3D anatomical relationships.
- Novel educational tools are continuously sought to enhance anatomical understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D)-printed liver models in improving the accuracy of hepatic segment identification among physicians.
- To compare the learning outcomes of using 3D models versus 2D images for hepatic anatomy education.
Main Methods:
- A cross-over trial involving 116 physicians from three disciplines was conducted.
- Participants were tested at baseline and after educational interventions using 3D models and 2D images.
- Adjusted multilevel-mixed models were employed to analyze the differences in identification accuracy and confidence.
Main Results:
- Accuracy in identifying hepatic segments was significantly higher when initially taught with 3D models (77%) compared to 2D images (69%; P = 0.05).
- A combination of 3D and 2D methods did not yield significantly improved accuracy.
- Physicians reported the highest confidence in segment identification after training with 3D models (P = 0.04).
Conclusions:
- Three-dimensional (3D)-printed models are effective tools for enhancing the learning of hepatic segmental anatomy.
- 3D models improve both accuracy and confidence in identifying liver segments, suggesting their value in surgical education.
