Integration of cadaveric dissections with emerging digital technologies in a neurosurgery and neuroanatomy residency training program: Implementation and first‐year experience

Abstract

Neuroanatomy remains a core competency in neurosurgical training, particularly in skull base education, where learners must integrate three-dimensional spatial understanding, radiologic correlation, and stepwise procedural knowledge. Cadaveric dissection remains foundational, but adjunctive digital tools may strengthen repeated visualization and anatomical review. We describe the educational rationale and implementation of integrating stereoscopic teaching, a stepwise digital application, photogrammetry, and virtual reality within an established neurosurgical skull base curriculum. Within the Mayo Clinic cranial base course embedded in a broader longitudinal curriculum, four postgraduate year 4 neurosurgery residents participated in transcranial and endoscopic cadaveric dissections supported by stereoscopic lectures, workstation-based tablet guidance, and immersive review using photogrammetry, virtual reality, and computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging correlation. The integrated design aligned these modalities with course objectives in anatomical landmark recognition, operative corridor planning, radiologic-anatomic translation, and stepwise procedural rehearsal. The educational contribution of this model lies in the intentional integration of digital adjuncts around cadaveric dissection rather than in a single technology alone. This multimodal sequence may support spatial understanding, procedural preparation, and competency-oriented skull base training while extending review beyond the laboratory. Current evaluation is best interpreted as preliminary program evaluation rather than definitive learner-outcome evidence. This model may offer a transferable approach for programs seeking to complement cadaveric education with emerging digital tools and provides a basis for future prospective evaluations using multiple low-stakes assessment data points across the broader curriculum.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Anatomical Sciences Education, 2026 · DOI ↗