Rediscovering Cadaver Based Teaching

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical education is a multi-faceted complex cognitive training.The classical surgical training (mentor – trainee) model is not feasible in the current era of surgical training. Though surgical education has accepted the simulation model for training young residents, the advanced surgical residents may benefit from cadaver based surgical teaching. Method: IHpba india 2017provided a great opportunity to organize basic HPB anatomy workshop clubbed with HPB radiology and other advanced surgical techniques. It was attended mainly by advanced surgical residents and practicing junior faculty. Post program survey was conducted and the results implied. Result: Of the 131 surgeons who attended, 90 (72, 80% residents, 14, 15.6% practicing surgeons) completed the post program survey. Majority (97.5%) felt that the HPB anatomy was adequately demonstrated by spending enough time for dissection techniques and discussion. Most participants (84.7%) have never attended cadaveric dissection during or after their training program. 95.1 % think that dedicated anatomy / dissection teaching sessions are either very useful or useful for their level of surgical training. All the participants found cadaveric workshop either very useful (73.3%) or useful (26.7%) learning tool. Majority of the participants (73.3%) felt that the demonstrated HPB procedures were appropriate for their level. All the participants (100%) felt that the cadaveric workshops such as this will help improve their surgical skills and many (93.4%) felt these are useful in improving their confidence in the operation theatres Conclusion: This cadaver based HPB teaching program seemed to be an initial step for unique HPB surgical education. Cadaveric workshops appear to be useful adjuncts for advanced surgical trainees in this modern era. Residents consider these programs as good learning tool & possibly improve surgical skills and confidence. The translation of cadaver based HPB surgical learning into better surgical care needs to be evaluated in the future.