Cadaveric surgery in core gynaecology training: a feasibility study

Abstract

BackgroundFresh frozen cadaver training has been proposed as a better model than virtual reality simulators in laparoscopy training. We aimed to explore the relationship between cadaveric surgical training and increased surgical confidence.To determine feasibility, we devised two 1-day cadaveric surgical training days targeted at trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology. Seven defined surgical skills were covered during the course of the day. The relationship between surgical training and surgical confidence was explored using both quantitative (confidence scores) and qualitative tools (questionnaires).ResultsParticipants rated a consistent improvement in their level of confidence after the training. They universally found the experience positive and three overarching themes emerged from the qualitative analysis including self-concept, social persuasion and stability of task.ConclusionsIt is pragmatically feasible to provide procedure-specific cadaveric surgical training alongside supervised clinical training. This small, non-generalisable study suggests that cadaveric training may contribute to an increase in surgical self-confidence and efficacy. This will form the basis of a larger study and needs to be explored in more depth with a larger population.

BODIES R US: Ethical Views on the Commercialization of the Dead in Medical Education and Research

“…These advanced techniques are, therefore, often taught first on fresh (not embalmed) dead bodies before being applied to living patients. With the widespread use of these techniques, there was an increased need to train physicians in these specialized procedures (Supe et al, ; Sharma et al, ; Lim et al, ). The use of these and other procedures brought with them financial considerations on the part of the surgical product companies selling, for example, hip replacement devices.…”

Evaluation of a Laparoscopic Multi-approach Training for Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents

“…An alternative to the animal model, known for being closer to reality, are cadavers, an important complementary step before in vivo practice for enabling and amplifying basic techniques. 19,20 Another point that was not accomplished in the present study is the access to the long-term knowledge retention of the students, as we apply the post-test as soon as they finish the training; also, it is not possible to affirm the effectiveness of the course for their application in vivo, because there was no evaluation on real surgeries.…”

Correction to: Cadaveric surgery in core gynaecology training: a feasibility study

“…After publication of the original article [ 1 ] it was brought to our attention that author Laura Delgaty was incorrectly included as Laura Delegate. The correct spelling of the author’s name is included in the author list of this correction and updated in the original article.…”