Importance of Cadaveric Dissections and Surgical Simulation in Residency
Cadaveric dissection helps surgeons hone their skills and procedures in a way that textbooks cannot offer. After all, the importance of cadaveric dissections cannot be understated because it’s a hands-on approach that allows students to put their knowledge to practice.
What is a Cadaveric Dissection?
Cadaveric dissections are considered a “traditional” method for teaching students anatomy after:
Discussions
Theoretical lessons
Real anatomic structures help would-be surgeons get a feel for anatomy relations in ways that they wouldn’t be able to without cadavers or a live subject.
Gaining a 3D perspective of the body is possible with cadavers, and can be used alongside atlas images and even augmented reality to provide surgical students with the tools they need to become top-tier surgeons.
Dissection will occur under the supervision of skilled surgeons who will help students perform a variety of procedures that work to:
Provide hands-on experience
Improve the student’s confidence
Refine the student’s surgical techniques
Every surgeon should strive to perform procedures on their own, without the guidance of a senior surgeon. The skills learned through cadaveric dissection are often the first time students have the opportunity to test their skills and training.
The skills learned during these dissections will correlate to the operating room, offering surgical improvements where they matter most.
Why Surgical Simulation in Residency is Important for Surgeons
Surgical simulation in residency is crucial for surgeons for a number of reasons, but arguably the most important reason is the reduction of errors in the operating room.
Surgical simulation allows surgeons to train in a safe and controlled environment without having to practice on patients.
A variety of laparoscopic, open and robotic simulation methods are available, including virtual simulation training in living animals, box-training and human and animal cadavers.
Living animals and human cadavers are some of the most reliable methods of simulation training, but ethical concerns remain.
It’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of surgical simulation.
ADVANTAGES
There are many advantages of surgical simulation, including:
Reducing the learning curve of surgical procedures
Reducing operating time and complications
Improving patient outcome
Reducing hospital stays and costs
Improving the surgeon’s technical skills
Research has shown that virtual reality simulation greatly improves the outcomes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Surgeons improve their skills through practice and experience. Virtual reality simulations such as these allow trainees to start improving their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Additionally, simulation allows residents to train in surgical maneuvers for a number of procedures.
DISADVANTAGES
While there are many advantages of surgical simulation, there are some drawbacks that must be considered.
If residents are trained without supervision, they may adopt wrong habits that can lead to complications. For this reason, simulation programs must be certified and incorporate standardized progressions. Trainees should always be supervised by a senior surgeon.
Simulation should be treated as a complement to surgical treatment and not a replacement. While helpful, trainees should still participate in as many actual surgical procedures as possible.
The costs and maintenance of simulation programs can be prohibitive, making it more difficult for some hospitals to adopt them.
Cadaveric dissections and surgical simulation are both important parts of residency programs and help surgeons develop the skills and confidence they need to work in the operating room.
When students want to hone their skills, educators can rely on cadavers to assist with enhancing a surgeon’s technique.
