Radical hysterectomy teaching module with a three‐dimensional digital model of the female pelvis

Abstract

Performing radical hysterectomy requires thorough knowledge of pelvic anatomy, which is complex and difficult to visualize. The goal of this project is to create a teaching tool to enable surgeons worldwide to improve their understanding of pelvic anatomy, leading to less invasive procedures and better patient outcomes. The pelvic model was created using AMIRA, a 3D segmentation and surface‐rendering program. Anatomical areas of interest were labeled on consecutive 2D slices from the Visible Human Project, which were then reassembled to form a 3D model and incorporated into animated videos. An animated instructional program based on radical hysterectomy was created, which includes rotational viewing, real‐life video, clinical narration, correlated imaging, labeling and a glossary. The glossary standardizes anatomic and surgical terminology to help overcome language barriers when training doctors whose native language is not English. Due to the detail, ease of use and versatility, this tool will be an excellent resource for surgeons training to perform radical hysterectomy, allowing for better patient outcomes especially in developing countries where this technology was not previously available.Grant Funding Source: Ontario Graduate Scholarship