Utility of a Three-Dimensional Printed Pelvic Model for Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection Education: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for rectal cancer is a difficult technique due to the complex pelvic anatomy involved. Three-dimensional (3D) organ models have been introduced as education tools to study anatomy in some fields. In this study, we educated the participants about pelvic anatomy using a 3D model, and evaluated learning efficiency, comparing the outcomes with those using a traditional textbook.

Study Design: This study was a randomized, controlled, single-center trial conducted between July 2018 and July 2019. A total of 102 participants (34 medical students, 34 residents, and 34 surgeons) were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to the 3D model group or the textbook group. First, they completed a short test to confirm their basic knowledge before further education. After collocated education, they completed the same short test again and another long test to evaluate their learning outcomes.

Results: Before education, there was no significant difference in the short test scores between the 3D model group and the textbook group. After education, the short and long test scores of the 3D model group were significantly higher than those of the textbook group for students (short test; p = 0.05, long test; p = 0.03), residents (short test; p = 0.05, long test; p = 0.002), and surgeons (short test; p = 0.009, long test; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Using a 3D pelvic model is superior to using a textbook when learning pelvic anatomy required for lateral pelvic lymph node dissection.