Low-cost gelatin phantom for ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy training: a pictorial essay
Authors:
- Camilla CulcasiCCCamilla Culcasi
- Lucia ZanchiLZLucia Zanchi
- Lorena QuagliozziLQLorena Quagliozzi
- Francesca MoroFMFrancesca Moro
- Federica PozzatiFPFederica Pozzati
- Valentina ChiappaVCValentina Chiappa
- Daniela FischerovaDFDaniela Fischerova
- Antonia Carla TestaATAntonia Carla Testa
- Anna FagottiAFAnna Fagotti
- Floriana MasciliniFMFloriana Mascilini
Open Access
- 18 August 2026
- journal article
- pictorial essay
- Published by Springer Nature in Journal of Ultrasound
- Vol. 29 (4) , 975-979
Abstract
Core-needle (tru-cut) biopsy is increasingly used in gynecologic oncology for tissue acquisition and molecular assessment. Adequate operator training is essential, but hands-on opportunities and affordable pelvic simulation models remain limited. This pictorial essay describes a step-by-step approach for pelvic ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy using a low-cost gelatin-based phantom adapted from a previously published model. The phantom incorporates target lesions and optional simulated bowel loops to increase procedural complexity. The accompanying images and instructional video demonstrate phantom preparation, probe handling, needle-beam alignment, lesion targeting, and simulated biopsy using transvaginal/transrectal and transabdominal approaches. This reproducible, inexpensive model may facilitate simulation-based training and improve familiarity with biopsy equipment and needle-tip visualization before supervised clinical practice.Keywords
Funding Information
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
This publication has 8 references indexed in Scilit:
- Simulation model for training in ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy in gynaecology: a pilot studyInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 2026
- ISUOG/ESGO Consensus Statement on ultrasound-guided biopsy in gynecological oncologyInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 2025
- Comparison of low-cost phantoms for ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy trainingJournal of the American Society of Cytopathology, 2023
- Role of transvaginal ultrasound-guided biopsy in gynecologyInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 2020
- Role of Intraoperative Ultrasound to Extend the Application of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Treatment of Recurrent Gynecologic CancerJournal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, 2018
- A Method Using Superconcentrated Gelatin and a Novel Phantom Suspension System for Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid Biopsy TrainingThyroid®, 2014
- Ultrasound‐guided tru‐cut biopsy of abdominal and pelvic tumors in gynecologyUltrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2010
- Ultrasound-guided tru-cut biopsy in the management of advanced abdomino-pelvic tumorsInternational Journal of Gynecological Cancer, 2008