Cadaver as a model for laparoscopic training.
BACKGROUND
Though minimally invasive techniques now are routine world over, there is need to develop facilities for training surgeons. Laparoscopy performed on anesthetized animals is an established model but is costly and is not easily available. We report on human cadaver as a training modality for surgeons participating in a laparoscopic training course.


METHODS
Unembalmed cadavers were used for training surgeons to appreciate anatomy, practice laparoscopic techniques, and deploy equipment and instruments during a laparoscopic training course. Trainees carried out procedures such as cholecystectomy, appendicectomy, splenectomy, intestinal explorations, mesenteric lymph node biopsy, and varicocele-vein occlusion. We analyzed the trainees' perspective regarding cadaver as a model using the 5-point Likert scale.


RESULTS
Thirty-two trainees from five consecutive training courses held at our institution expressed general satisfaction over cadaver as a training model, and 96.9% (31/32) rated the training model as highly satisfactory. The trainees ranked as highly satisfactory their understanding of surgical anatomy (29/32; 90.6%), understanding of laparoscopic technique (29/32; 90.6%) and use of instruments (32/32; 100%). The trainees thought such an approach improved spatial perception of anatomy and they perceived it as a valuable educational experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Human cadaveric laparoscopy may offer an ideal surgical environment for laparoscopy training courses, allowing dissection and performance of complicated procedures.
Supe
Avinash
A
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Seth G S Medical College and K E M Hospital, Mumbai 400 012, India. avisupe@vsnl.com
Dalvi
Abhay
A
Prabhu
Ramkrishna
R
Kantharia
Chetan
C
Bhuiyan
Pritha
P
D000818:Animals; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002102:Cadaver; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004210:Dissection; D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D010535:Laparoscopy