Minimally invasive surgery has changed surgical training in gynecology. Increased focus on new technologies may be impacting anatomy knowledge and new generations of surgeons have been faced with this paradigm shift (1,2). This Delphi-like survey explored young surgeons' perspectives on surgical anatomy education, aiming to identify the most effective teaching tools and methods for improving anatomical knowledge and surgical skills within this evolving field.

A Delphi study was conducted during an international surgical anatomy meeting, involving 120 participants, using an online, self-administered questionnaire of 9 demographic questions  and 48 general statements, later rated using a Likert scale. Statements achieving ≥70% consensus were excluded from subsequent rounds, while those with 60-70% agreement were revised, reanalyzed and rephrased for the second round, which included 7 revised statements. The same analysis process was used in both rounds. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, using SPSS v26.

Consensus was achieved on several key areas of surgical anatomy education. Young surgeons agreed on Cadaveric models (88%) and virtual reality (VR) simulators (88%) were identified as the most effective teaching tools, while plastinated specimens (41%) and anatomical drawings (46%) were deemed less effective. The necessity of standardized anatomical terminology was strongly endorsed (93%), as were foundational principles of open (98%) and vaginal surgery (90%) considered integral to modern surgical education. Hands-on surgical training (91%) was highly supported. A combined approach integrating VR simulators and laparoscopic trainers was preferred (88%), with cadaveric dissection and 3D models favored over operating room observation (78%). Furthermore, 77% emphasized the need to include soft skills like leadership and teamwork in surgical training. Despite advancements in teaching, only 55% of participants were satisfied with surgical anatomy education, with 64% desiring more information on techniques, instruments, costs, and materials.

These findings underscore a paradigm shift in surgical anatomy education, where traditional learning methods are being reshaped by technological advancements and evolving educational needs, emphasizing hands-on learning through cadaveric models and virtual reality. Equally significant is the reaffirmation of fundamental surgical principles, demonstrating that the essence of surgery remains rooted in its classical foundations, even in an era dominated by minimally invasive techniques. A structured, holistic approach bridges tradition and innovation in surgical training.

This Delphi study highlights the need for a multimodal approach to surgical anatomy education, combining traditional methods with innovative technologies.  Standardized anatomical terminology is crucial. Future frameworks should balance theory, technology, and hands-on experience, ensuring a comprehensive training for modern surgeons.

1.	Smith CF, Mathias HS. What impact does anatomy education have on clinical practice? Clin Anat. 2011 Jan;24(1):113-9. doi: 10.1002/ca.21065. PMID: 20949490.
2.	McKeown PP, Heylings DJ, Stevenson M, McKelvey KJ, Nixon JR, McCluskey DR. The impact of curricular change on medical students' knowledge of anatomy. Med Educ. 2003 Nov;37(11):954-61. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2923.2003.01670.x. PMID: 14629407.