On June 5, 2025, Aimal Khan, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), introduced a novel way to help colorectal surgery patients manage preoperative anxiety: a magnetically detachable 3D-printed model of the lower gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Khan observed that during routine pre-surgery consultations, many patients appeared confused or uneasy when hearing complex surgical explanations. To bridge this communication gap, he collaborated with the Department of Radiology to design a segmented model that can be disassembled. This hands-on tool allows patients to clearly distinguish between structures such as the ascending colon and the sigmoid colon, leading to better understanding of their condition and treatment.
Between March 2022 and June 2023, Dr. Khan and five other VUMC surgeons conducted a clinical study involving 51 patients scheduled for colorectal procedures. Of these, 28 received consultations using the 3D model, while 23 underwent standard consultations. The findings were significant: patients who used the model reported lower anxiety levels and felt more engaged in surgical decision-making.
The study reinforces previous evidence showing that enhancing shared decision-making between physicians and patients not only reduces emergency visits but also shortens hospital stays and decreases healthcare costs.
“3D models give patients a clear, tangible view of the surgical site,” Dr. Khan explained. “They not only encourage patients to actively participate in decision-making but also substantially relieve anxiety. This approach has the potential to transform how complex medical information is communicated.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Khan and his colleagues are collaborating with teams in thoracic surgery, otolaryngology, and surgical oncology to launch multicenter randomized trials to further validate these promising results.
