Teaching cadaveric laparoscopic anatomy in medical curriculum – An essential learning option

Abstract

Teaching anatomy to the medical students is shifting from learning the traditional gross anatomy with didactic lectures to learning anatomy by laparoscopic dissection on the cadavers. The open dissection hall teaching is loosing relevance to learning clinical anatomy with laparoscopic dissection live by the medical students. Laparoscopic demonstrations can generate interest in surgery in the students that would otherwise not be possible in the preclinical years. Additional advantages of laparoscopic anatomy learning are improved three-dimensional orientation, increased dexterity and development of team working skills among students. The magnified laparoscopic views and the ability to deeply explore anatomical features to demonstrate the basic anatomy better with full clarity does makes an impression on the young medical students. The major disadvantage is student may feel the lack of pleasure of tactile sensation, of touching the anatomical organs during laparoscopic demonstration.