To explore the application value of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology in liver surgery teaching.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 50 physicians rotating through the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery at Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital between January 2023 and June 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to a traditional teaching group (n = 25) or a 3D teaching group (n = 25). The 3D teaching group utilized 3D reconstruction technology to create dynamic liver models, combined with virtual surgical planning and surgical videos for teaching, while the traditional teaching group used conventional anatomical atlases, physical models, and surgical videos. Both groups received instruction from senior attending physicians, with consistent faculty, syllabi, clinical cases, and total teaching hours. Teaching effectiveness was evaluated through standardized assessments and questionnaires.

Standardized assessments revealed significantly higher written test scores, practical operation scores, and total scores in the 3D group compared to the traditional group (p < 0.001). Questionnaire results indicated that the 3D teaching group scored significantly higher in 5 core dimensions, including teaching method satisfaction, learning interest stimulation, knowledge acquisition efficiency, learning motivation, and content mastery (p < 0.001).

3D reconstruction technology significantly enhances student learning motivation and facilitates a shift in teaching methodology from traditional passive knowledge acquisition towards a novel model of active exploratory learning. This interactive approach holds promise as a core teaching methodology for standardized liver surgery education.