Thinking out of the box: Using the transplantation procedure to teach renal anatomy

Abstract

An aim of our anatomy curriculum is to challenge the current conceptual framework within which anatomy is usually taught and use innovative ways to introduce clinical thinking. A renal transplant module was created with the assistance of a transplant surgeon and a urologist. The module was implemented during a three hour laboratory devoted to retroperitoneal dissection. The module consisted of two parts: laparoscopic donor nephrectomy procedure, and open renal procurement and subsequent transplantation. The laparoscopic procedure utilized two intact cadavers, and the urologist supplied the laparoscopic equipment. Every student participated in a guided laparoscopic dissection of the kidney. Meanwhile, the transplant surgeon assisted the students in dissecting a kidney on their own cadaver, guiding them in how to preserve renal vasculature and ureter. An extraperitoneal space was then created in the pelvis so that the iliac vessels and bladder were identified. The kidney was then “transplanted.” This combined experience allowed every student to physically perform a transplant. Integrating anatomy with surgical procedures and new visualization technologies not only increases learning, but also fosters an appreciation of the team approach to education. We hope to expand this use of surgical procedures to integrate clinically relevant content and facilitate the understanding of human anatomy.