Animal model of polytrauma for surgical training

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to develop a training program for surgeons that would enable them to improve their practical skills using an animal model of polytrauma. Methods: Injury to the stomach, small and large bowel as well as spleen and liver injury were caused laparoscopically, and tension pneumothorax was induced thoracoscopically, in 60 laboratory pigs. A thus obtained polytrauma model was then used for the training of examination processes according to ATLS (advanced trauma life support) principles and of the treatment protocol according to DCS (damage control surgery) principles. Less experienced surgeons (N=10) completed a total of 4 training sessions, and experienced surgeons with postgraduate certification in surgery (N=10) performed 2 treatments. The relative training benefit was subsequently assessed by comparing the first and the last attempt. Furthermore, the absolute benefit of training for the beginners (novice trainees) was evaluated by comparing their last attempt with the first attempt of experienced surgeons. Results: The beginners (less experienced surgeons) showed an improvement (first vs fourth attempt) in all parameters except bowel injury management and laparotomy closure time. Based on the comparison of the experienced surgeons’ first attempt and the beginners’ first attempt, the beginners performed significantly worse in all parameters except the two mentioned above. Average total blood loss was also higher in the beginners’ group – 2531 (±661.1) g vs 1189 (±509.5) g in the experienced surgeons’ group (p<0.001). Conclusion: A novel animal model of polytrauma that can be used for the training of life threatening injury management was developed and validated in the study. The beginners improved significantly in all parameters after the training. However, longer training would be required to achieve results comparable to those of experienced surgeons.