Hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgical education: rediscovery of cadaver based teaching

Abstract

Background: As the classical surgical training (mentor–trainee) model is not feasible in the current era of surgical training and simulation model for training young residents is proven, the advanced surgical residents may benefit from cadaver based surgical teaching.Methods: International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association India 2017 provided great opportunity to organize basic hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) anatomy workshop clubbed with HPB radiology and other advanced surgical techniques. It was attended by advanced surgical residents and practicing junior faculty. Post-program survey was conducted and results implied.Results: 131 surgeons attended and 90 (80% residents, 15.6% practicing surgeons) completed the survey. Majority (97.5%) felt that the HPB anatomy was adequately demonstrated by spending enough time for dissection techniques and discussion. Most (84.7%) never attended cadaveric dissection during or after their training program. 95.1% think that dedicated anatomy or dissection teaching sessions are either very useful or useful for their level of surgical training. All participants found cadaveric workshop either very useful (73.3%) or useful (26.7%) learning tool. Majority (73.3%) felt that demonstrated HPB procedures were appropriate for their level. All participants (100%) felt that cadaveric workshops will improve their surgical skills and many (93.4%) felt these improve their confidence in operation theatres.Conclusions: This cadaver based HPB teaching program is an initial step for unique HPB surgical education and useful adjunct for advanced surgical trainees in modern era. Residents consider this as good learning tool and possibly improve surgical skills and confidence. The translation of cadaver based HPB surgical learning into better surgical care needs evaluation in future.