Silva RMG, da Matera JM, Ribeiro AACM. Evaluation of the surgical technique teaching method using chemically preserved cadavers. [Portuguese] Revista de Educacao Continuada do CRMV-SP 2003;6(1/3):95-102


Abstract

Objective: To assess surgical training using chemically-preserved cadavers in the Surgical Techniques and Orthopaedics classes of "Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia da Universidade de Sao Paulo" (College of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of the University of Sao Paulo) - (FMVZ/USP), Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil, as an alternative method to use in the place of live animals in classrooms. Materials and Methods: A modified Larssen solution that preserves the characteristics of the animals' colour, the consistency and texture of tissues, and the flexibility of joints as similar as possible to those found in live animals was used. Cadavers with body weight between 1-25 kg, of different sexes and species, were cleaned and received a lavage of the vascular circuit with hot physiologic solution and a second lavage with modified Larssen solution at a volume corresponding to 5% of the cadaver body weight. At a second stage, fixing solution was injected into the cadaver, the volume of which corresponded to 10% of cadaver weight. After fixation, cardavers were cryopreserved in cold chambers with temperatures between -20 to -16 degrees C. Acceptance of the use of cadavers as a teaching method was assessed using a survey questionnaire distributed among students of the Surgical Techniques and Orthopaedics classes in 2001, 2003 and 2003. Results and Conclusions: Based on responses of students to the questionnaires it was possible to conclude that the described teaching methodology of using cadavers is well accepted. The use of modified Larssen solution to chemically preserve the cadavers allows for intense and adequate training of surgical techniques during the course. The said practice allows the repeated use of cadavers, decreasing the number of animals needed for classroom purposes.