An Innovative 3D Teaching Model Designed to Help Patients Better Understand the Anatomy of the Pelvic Floor

Nathalie Mantilla, MD, Ariane Abcarian, MD, Aracely Zavala, RN, Russell Pearl, MD, Cybil Corning, MD, Herand Abcarian, MD. University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL. Norhtshore Medical Group, Highland Park, IL.

PURPOSE
The anatomy of the pelvic floor is complex and therefore difficult to explain in simple terms to patients.
We demonstrate an innovative method to teach patients using a three-dimensional pelvic model for a better understanding of the anatomy of the human pelvic floor.

METHODS
We have designed and developed an innovative 3D pelvic floor model made of simple and everyday materials to show patients the basic anatomy and situation of the muscles implied in frequent disorders such as fecal/urinary incontinence, constipation, levator syndrome, rectocele and rectal prolapse. We are currently collecting data prospectively using 3 methods; standard verbal explanation, traditional drawings and the 3D pelvic model. We ask patients to rate the usefulness of the 3 methods using a 1-10 scale where 1 means “Not very helpful” and 10 means “Very helpful”.

RESULTS
We hypothesize that a concrete understanding of the pelvic floor anatomy will facilitate patients the appreciation of their diseases and the aims of the treatments, as well as it will make patients more willing to accomplish their therapies successfully. After collection of data form 150 patients, the final results will be analyzed to identify if the use of a 3D pelvic floor model help the understanding of pelvic floor structures significantly.

CONCLUSIONS
The anatomy of the pelvic floor is complex and therefore difficult to explain in simple terms to patients who need to imagine the 3D conformation of the anatomic structures. We have developed three dimensional pelvic model with basic anatomic landmarks which might become in a valuable tool to be used as a routine in the pelvic floor clinic.