The effectiveness of using 3D reconstruction software for surgery to augment surgical education.

BACKGROUND: Assimilating diagnostic radiology education into undergraduate medical education remains a challenge. This challenge places a greater emphasis in surgical residency to ensure this education occurs. The objective of this study is to determine whether a 3D-reconstruction may improve surgical residents' assessment of resectability of pancreatic lesions.

METHODS: Four cases were identified of patients with a pancreatic lesion; high-quality, triphasic abdominal CT scans were obtained and evaluated to ensure sufficient resolution and slice thickness. The images then were used for 3D-reconstruction of the cases.

RESULTS: PGY3-5 residents had a statistically-significant higher percentage of correct answers on objective questionnaire items using CT in conjunction with 3D-reconstruction software versus CT only. PGY1-2 residents had a higher percentage of correct answers using 3D-reconstruction software, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: 3D-reconstruction software could be a viable tool to augment radiology education within a surgery residency, especially in CT interpretation, but there appears to be a minimum threshold of knowledge needed for meaningful improvement; therefore, this software may be more useful for PGY3-5 residents than PGY1-2 residents.