Try fresh frozen cadavers
BMJ 2009; 338 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.b2426 (Published 15 June 2009) Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b2426
- P S Kang, laparoscopic colorectal fellow1,
- A F Horgan, consultant colorectal surgeon2,
- A G Acheson, associate professor and consultant colorectal surgeon1
- 1Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham NG7 2UH
- 2Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN
- peterkang{at}hotmail.co.uk
Virtual reality simulation in training for laparoscopic surgery has advantages,1 but a more realistic training for teams can be achieved with fresh frozen cadavers. Our two specialist colorectal centres currently use such cadavers for laparoscopic colorectal training for the national training programme. Cadavers are fresh frozen and thawed before use, providing a realistic operative experience for trainees and the team in terms of:
Perfect reproduction of laparoscopic anatomical landmarks
Realistic flexibility and consistency of tissue
Tactile feedback from tissue handling
Gravity and retraction making simulation more realistic
Technical steps being identical to those in live operations.
Simulation based training occurring outside the clinical setting risks isolating the trainer from the team, and creates an oversimplification of a complex reality.2 3 Laparoscopic training using fresh cadavers allows all members of the team—surgeon, assistant, and theatre nurse—to train together. The team also gains experience of operation room set-up, use of instruments, and patient positioning and safety.
Notes
Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b2426
Footnotes
Competing interests: None declared.