Suture Education with Soft-Embalmed Cadavers: A Cut Above the Rest

Abstract

Introduction. Assess the efficacy of a surgical skills curriculum for third-year medical students focused on suturing training on soft embalmed cadavers, which simulate natural tissue more effectively for surgical procedures than traditionally preserved cadavers or surgical practice pads. Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing pre- and post-survey results at a premier, accredited, nationally ranked academic medical center. Study participants were third-year medical students completing their required surgical clerkship rotation who participated in suturing sessions on both synthetic suture practice pads and soft-embalmed cadavers prior to beginning their operating room experience. Results. A total of 40 participants were included with slightly more male participants. The majority of participants (52%) were interested in pursuing a non-surgical career. After participating in Clinical Anatomy Mentorship Program (CAMP), participants felt significantly more confident in their ability to suture in the operating room (median 4 [3-4] vs. 2 [1-3], p<0.001); in their knowledge of basic suturing supplies and instruments (median 4 [4-4] vs. 3 [2-3], p<0.001); and in their ability to determine when different suture techniques are appropriate in the operating room (median 3 [3-4] vs. 1 [1-2], p<0.001). Participants felt more confident in their ability to suture in the operating room after their experience suturing on soft-embalmed cadavers compared to suture practice pads (median 5 [4-5] vs. 4 [4-4], p=0.002). Conclusions. Medical students' confidence in suturing skills and in the knowledge of important characteristics of suturing practice was significantly improved after a suture training session on soft-embalmed cadavers.

Improved Confidence and Clinical Application: The Effects of a Longitudinal Suture Curriculum for Medical Students

“…3,14,27 Braasch et al demonstrated positive learning when students used softtissue cadavers versus synthetic skin. 28 Recruiting faculty can be challenging to implement, but some programs have demonstrated success using peer teaching and senior medical students to instruct junior medical students on proper suturing techniques. 8,17,[29][30][31]…”

“…Several studies have demonstrated the positive impact of remote suture training, and student-directed teaching compared with faculty-directed teaching 3,14,27 . Braasch et al demonstrated positive learning when students used soft-tissue cadavers versus synthetic skin 28 . Recruiting faculty can be challenging to implement, but some programs have demonstrated success using peer teaching and senior medical students to instruct junior medical students on proper suturing techniques 8,17,29–31 …”