J. H. Mehaffey1, E. J. Charles1, B. Lapierre1, D. Sikon1, M. E. Roeser1, I. L. Kron1, L. T. Yarboro1 1University Of Virginia,Surgery,Charlottesville, VA, USA
Introduction: General surgery training programs face the growing challenge of educating trainees in limited time, with increasingly complex cases, while maintaining the highest quality of care and the lowest complication rate. These constraints have resulted in a case volume shift to senior residents and fellows with increased oversight and decreased trainee autonomy. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of clinically relevant surgical simulation for resident training in thoracic surgery. We hypothesized that the use of our innovative thoracic model would provide improved preparation in a controlled environment with reduced cost.
Methods: Using a proprietary soft embalming method of cadaver preservation pioneered at our institution we created a clinically relevant model of thoracic surgery. As a pilot study, 10 residents completed a structured curriculum including lecture, directed surgical simulation and oral board style questioning on major topics in thoracic surgery relevant to general surgeons, including trauma thoracotomy and esophagectomy.
Results: Cost-analysis demonstrates the soft embalming method of preservation was superior to single-use fresh frozen cadavers (both $2500) but soft embalmed allows multiple teaching sessions with durability up to a year. Resident feedback supported the hypothesis of improved preparation, with survey results listed in Table 1. Example feedback included “helps drive home techniques I don't often see in clinical practice.”
Conclusion: This study demonstrates clinically relevant surgical simulation successfully added to surgical training using a novel soft embalmed cadaver model of thoracic surgery. Given current constraints in general surgery training, this model provides a cost and time effective adjunct during residency training.
