Preservation of cadavers for surgical technique training

Abstract

Objective - To evaluate a technique for preservation of organoleptic tissue characteristics (color, odor, texture, and flexibility) in cadavers used for surgical instruction. Study Design - Experimental study. Animals - Forty-three canine cadavers. Methods - Cadavers were preserved with a modified Larssen solution of the Hospital Cochim, Paris and cryopreservation. Tissue handling qualities were evaluated in surgical laboratory sessions. Results - All cadavers kept texture and tissues consistency, especially skin and muscle, similar to those of live animals. Some skin desquamation and pallor of the mucous membranes occurred with repetitive freeze-thaw cycles. Conclusions - This preservation technique provides acceptable cadaver quality and tissue handling for use in surgical instruction. Clinical Relevance - Preparation of patient cadavers by intravascular injection of modified Larssen solution yielded suitable instructional models for surgical training. © Copyright 2004 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.