CT-guided transvaginal posterior fornix gel injection training based on a novel simulation model
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Updated: Nov 9, 2026
Transvaginal Mesh Insertion in the Ovine Model
Published on: July 27, 2017
Jia-Wei Zhu1, Xi-Lin Yang1,2, Yun-Can Zhou1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Background:
Injecting a medical hydrogel between the cervix and rectum is a feasible approach for reducing rectal radiation dose. However, the lack of corresponding training models and processes limits its widespread application. This study aimed to construct a novel pelvic simulation model for computed tomography (CT)-guided transvaginal posterior fornix gel injection and evaluate its performance for radiation oncologist training.
Methods:
Female pelvic CT scans were processed to construct the simulation model. The vaginal-rectal septum model was created using silicone injection molding, and the pelvic model was made using three‑dimensional (3D) printing and silicone injection. Thirteen radiotherapists were recruited to undergo training in CT-guided transvaginal posterior fornix gel injection using the simulation model. Basic knowledge and operating procedures for hydrogel injection were taught through introductory lectures and model-based teaching. All participants completed the simulation training and the pre- and post-training questionnaires.
Results:
A simulation model consisting of the vaginal-rectal septum model and pelvic model was created. The gel injection procedure included 5 steps, and all the participants were successfully inject medical hydrogel into the vaginal-rectal septum after verifying that the liquid could be injected into the vaginal-rectal septum on CT images. Of the participants, 61.5% had learned about CT-guided transvaginal posterior fornix injection before training. All participants' knowledge of hydrogel injection was significantly improved after this training (theory test score: 1.1±0.8 vs. 4.3±0.5, P<0.05). They rated the model highly in terms of learning efficiency (92.3% rated "strongly agree") and authenticity (38.5% rated "strongly agree" and 46.1% "agree").
Conclusions:
The effectiveness of this simulation model for hydrogel injection training was confirmed. This training model, which can improve procedural knowledge and clinician confidence as well as understanding of relevant knowledge, is worthy of further promotion.
