AB127. SOH26AB_0174. Utilising 3D models for pre-operative patient education and enhanced patient understanding: a systematic review
Systematic Reviews Session

AB127. SOH26AB_0174. Utilising 3D models for pre-operative patient education and enhanced patient understanding: a systematic review

Mara Stanescu1, Cian Hehir1,2, Evan Wyatt1, Oluwapelumi Ogunlowo1, Siddhant Kharat1, Kieran Murphy1, Gordon Daly1, Claire Condron1, Roisin Dolan1

1Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; 2Centre for Simulation Education and Research, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

Background: ‘Three-dimensional (3D) models’ is an umbrella term encompassing various techniques ranging from tangible 3D printing to virtual models utilising augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). While the use of 3D printing technologies has recently seen broad application in physician-centred healthcare settings, its role in pre-operative patient education remains comparatively underexplored. This article aims to critically appraise and synthesize the currently available knowledge base on the use of patient-specific 3D models (PS3DMs) toward enhancing patient understanding prior to surgical intervention.

Methods: Following prospective registration and the application of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search of online research repositories was conducted. The included studies utilised PS3DMs in the pre-operative setting and assessed patient understanding, patient satisfaction, and/or patient-reported anxiety surrounding their planned operation.

Results: Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria demonstrating clinical application of PS3DMs across a range of surgical subspecialities [urology (n=7), orthopaedic surgery (n=6), neurosurgery (n=3), otolaryngology (n=2), vascular surgery (n=2), cardiothoracic surgery (n=2), gastrointestinal surgery (n=1), hepatobiliary surgery (n=1), colorectal surgery (n=1), and plastic surgery (n=1)]. The use of PS3DMs demonstrated significant advantages with respect to objective and subjectively-assessed patient understanding and satisfaction (P<0.05). PS3DMs additionally decreased subjectively-assessed patient anxiety levels.

Conclusions: The use of 3D printing can significantly improve patient understanding and satisfaction with pre-operative consultations. The inclusion of the now widely available and affordable PS3DMs may be a worthwhile consideration during pre-operative consultation of complex cases, or prior to intervention, in which patient understanding may be difficult to achieve.

Keywords: Three-dimensional models (3D models); patient-specific; patient understanding; simulation; patient education

Acknowledgments

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Footnote

Funding: None.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Ethical Statement: The authors are accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Open Access Statement: This is an Open Access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0), which permits the non-commercial replication and distribution of the article with the strict proviso that no changes or edits are made and the original work is properly cited (including links to both the formal publication through the relevant DOI and the license). See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

doi: 10.21037/map-26-ab127
Cite this abstract as: Stanescu M, Hehir C, Wyatt E, Ogunlowo O, Kharat S, Murphy K, Daly G, Condron C, Dolan R. AB127. SOH26AB_0174. Utilising 3D models for pre-operative patient education and enhanced patient understanding: a systematic review. Mesentery Peritoneum 2026;10:AB127.

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