Criação, validação e implementação de uma ferramenta digital para ensino da anatomia radiológica do fígado e das vias biliares

Abstract

Human anatomy, probably the oldest of all medical disciplines, is traditionally taught through cadáver dissection. Today, the teaching-learning process in human anatomy is complemented by the study of morphology through other methods, such as endoscopy, laparoscopy, and diagnostic imaging. It is also recommended that this learning be contextualized whenever possible, with reference to its applications in clinical practice, surgery, and diagnostic imaging. This integration emphasizes the importance of morphological science in professional practice. Of all the medical specialties, the one that undoubtedly uses knowledge of anatomy most broadly and commonly is radiology and diagnostic imaging. In their daily routine, radiologists move between different segments of human anatomy. Although human morphology is the same regardless of the means used in its study (traditional dissection, surgery, endoscopy, radiology), understanding the anatomy represented in these different means requires prior training and a certain capacity for abstraction, as well as a certain degree of cognitive flexibility and skills such as spatial thinking. Like any other new skill, theoretical study, and practical exercise are essential. We live in an increasingly digital world. Today, it is difficult to imagine our lives without electronic devices, processors, computers, tablets, and smartphones. These instruments are also a source of learning. A growing number of students are replacing traditional paper books with electronic books. Despite the attachment to traditions and the affection we have developed for paper books since ancient times, electronic books have many advantages over paper books, which will be discussed in this research. A small number of electronic books about Radiological Anatomy are already available, both in paper and electronic format. Almost all of them address the subject in a general way, covering all organs and systems of the body, sacrificing the depth with which each topic is addressed. The purpose of this research is to create, validate, and implement a digital tool, specifically an electronic book, for teaching anatomy through imaging diagnostic methods, serving as didactic support in this integration between the study of anatomy in cadavers and the recognition of morphology in imaging diagnostics. To achieve this goal, images from examinations performed in different diagnostic services were used, stored in the author's clinical case file, and obtained through different tools, such as computed tomography, among others. The examinations were performed for different reasons, in all cases with the indication of the attending physician and for reasons unrelated to this research. The images were anonymized to preserve the identity of the patients. The selected images underwent digital processing, including multiplanar reconstructions, volumetric renderings, and virtual dissection, using the OsiriX MD® and RadiAnt® software. After this stage, the images were formatted to create an atlas of liver and bile duct anatomy in the format of an electronic book. It was found that the instructional material facilitated the teaching and learning process of this topic of Human Anatomy.