ObjectiveTo explore the value and role of post-processing techniques such as 3D reconstruction in the online education mode in neurosurgery undergraduate clinical probation teaching.MethodsA retrospective analysis method was used to collect 120 clinical 5-year medical students who were trained in neurosurgery at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2019 to May 2020, including 40 students receiving traditional imaging materials offline (control group 1), 40 students being taught on image post-processing technology offline (control group 2), and 40 students being taught on-line image post-processing technology during the novel coronavirus epidemic (observational group). The students’ scores of departmental rotation examination and feedback survey results on teaching satisfaction were collected, and multiple comparison was conducted between the observational group and the two control groups respectively.ResultIn the control group 1, the control group 2, and the observational group, the theoretical test scores were 36.80±3.22, 38.17±2.61, and 38.97±2.79, respectively; the case analysis scores were 37.05±2.01, 38.40±2.62, and 39.25±2.88, respectively; the total scores were 73.85±5.06, 76.57±4.29, and 78.10±4.53, respectively; the scores of interest in teaching were 84.47±3.71, 86.05±2.87, and 86.82±2.60, respectively; the scores of mastery of knowledge were 82.85±4.39, 84.90±2.72, and 85.78±2.36, respectively; and the scores of overall satisfaction with teaching were 84.17±3.45, 85.97±2.64, and 86.37±2.59, respectively. The differences among the three groups were all statistically significant (P<0.05). The observational group differed significantly from the control group 1 in all the above scores (P<0.05), while did not differed from the control group 2 in any of the above scores (P>0.05).ConclusionsIn neurosurgery internship activities, the online application of image post-processing techniques such as 3D reconstruction will help students establish 3D spatial concepts, better understand the brain anatomy, and improve students’ academic performance and acceptance.