Three-Dimensional Photography and Computer Modeling as a Reconstructive Surgical Training Tool

Abstract

Background Reconstructive surgery operations are often complex, staged, and have a steep learning curve. As a vocational training requiring thorough three-dimensional (3D) understanding of reconstructive techniques, the use of 3D photography and computer modelling can accelerate this learning for surgical trainees. Objectives The authors illustrate the benefits of introducing a streamlined reconstructive pathway which integrates 3D photography and computer modelling, to create a learning database for use by trainees and patients alike, to improve learning and comprehension. Methods A computer database of 3D photographs and associated computer models was developed for 35 patients undergoing reconstructive facial surgery at the Royal Free Hospital, London, UK. This was used as training and teaching tool for 20 surgical trainees, with an MCQ questionnaire assessing knowledge and a Likert scale questionnaire assessing satisfaction of understanding of core reconstructive techniques, given before and after teaching sessions. Data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test for trainee knowledge and Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for trainee satisfaction. Results Trainee (n=20) knowledge showed a statistically significant improvement, p<0.01, as did trainee satisfaction, p<0.05, after a teaching session using 3D photography and computer models for facial reconstruction. Conclusions Three-dimensional photography and computer modelling is a useful teaching and training tool for reconstructive facial surgery. The authors advocate the implementation of an integrated pathway for patients with facial defects to include 3D photography and computer modelling wherever possible, to develop internal databases for training trainees as well as patients. This algorithm can be extrapolated to other aspects of reconstructive surgery.