Does automated 3D computed tomography bronchography and angiography improve anatomical teaching in pulmonary segmentectomy?

Purpose As pulmonary segmentectomy becomes increasingly common in the treatment of early-stage lung cancer, it is essential to provide relevant clinical training for residents. Three-dimensional CT bronchography and angiography (3D-CTBA) effectively illustrate the spatial relationships among the bronchi, arteries, and veins of pulmonary segments. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of automated 3D-CTBA technology in enhancing anatomical education for pulmonary segmentectomy training. Methods Fifty-two surgical residents were randomized into two groups: the 3D-CTBA group and the control group. The 3D-CTBA group utilized automated 3D-CTBA technology alongside specific case for segmentectomy training, while the control group relied on traditional teaching methods. After the training sessions, all participants completed a post-training assessment and questionnaires. Additionally, we collected feedback from instructors regarding the residents' performance through a separate questionnaire. Results Residents in the 3D-CTBA group achieved significantly higher scores on the post-training assessments compared to those in the control group (83.46 ± 6.75 vs. 68.27 ± 8.12, p < 0.001). Subjective survey results indicated that automated 3D-CTBA technology greatly benefited residents in preoperatively identifying tumor locations, recognizing anatomical variations during surgery, and mastering relevant surgical techniques. Feedback from instructors indicated that residents in the 3D-CTBA group performed better intraoperatively than those in the control group. Furthermore, residents in the 3D-CTBA group expressed greater interest in learning and higher satisfaction with the course. Conclusion Automated 3D-CTBA technology significantly enhanced residents' comprehension of the complex and variable anatomy of pulmonary segments, thereby improving their related surgical skills.