Efficiency of chemically preserved dog's cadavers in surgical techniques training

ABSTRACT

Surgical skill is developed through repetitive exercise. Hence, several institutions are adopting simulators and other training models in undergraduate programs and medical and veterinary residence program, enabling repetition of individualized exercises. In this study, we used the modified Larssen solution, in order to evaluate the preservation of organoleptic characteristics of carcasses and their viscera, used in surgical technique teaching, comparing the preservation of bodies with and without heparin administration, and to evaluate the model's efficiency for surgical training. Veterinary medicine residents and fifth year graduation students participated in the training at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (FMVZ/USP). At the end of each training session, the participants completed a questionnaire that aimed to assess empirically the consistency, color, odor and texture of the covered bodies, and compared the methods of preservation and the training efficiency. After analyzing the results, it was found that there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to heparin use and that the model is effective for the training of surgical techniques. It was concluded that the use of modified Larssen solution allowed greater durability of dog cadavers, with no difference with prior heparinization during preparation of, and for surgical training with the chemically preserved dog's cadavers. This tool proved to be effective for surgical training of veterinary doctors.