Dermatology Surgery Training in a Live Animal Model

Abstract

Background Surgical technique is an important part of resident training, which is the reason why various models have been implemented to acquire this skill. Animal models have been useful in teaching dermatologic suturing techniques. With the advancements in technology, simulators have been developed for these exercises, but at a very high cost. The use of pig heads and freshly killed animals have proven to be effective and low-cost. However, they do not reproduce skin pathologies with accuracy. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a live anesthetized rat model to simulate skin pathologies requiring surgical excision in a dermatologic suture workshop for residents. Methods We analyze the outcome of a theoretical and practical suturing workshop using live Wistar rats with 13 dermatology residents. Results The residents showed an improvement in surgical maneuvers, suturing techniques, and in the use of surgical instruments (p < 0.01). Conclusion The model proposed in the present study was economic, easy to obtain and to manage, and it portrays live and accurate skin response to manipulation. Therefore, it is effective for conducting surgical training sessions in dermatology.

Comparison of suturing models: the effect on perception of basic surgical skills

“…Pork fat skin was the most similar in difficulty (3 [2][3][4]) with a slight difference with the silicon rubber pad (3 [3,4]). The dry sponge (6 [5][6][7]) and the orange (6 [4-7]) had similar results in the second question, demonstrating a clear separation in the perception of the SM.…”

“…A wide variety of suturing training models have been described [6,7,9,[11][12][13]. Our study evaluates the user perception of BSS acquisition and suturing technique quality between different types of models among M.D.…”

“…The cost, accessibility, maintenance, storage, durability, duration period, the need for special equipment/installations, skill objectives, and other characteristics such as those of the suture (size, type of needle, configuration, elasticity, memory), type of suturing technique taught, and experience of the user [26,27]. Advanced technique training such as biopsies [5,6], aesthetic skin wound closure [7,9], basic Zplasty [12], Mohs technique [28] or grafts and flaps [29], require organic models in which tissue layers are well defined, simulate real characteristics, and the tissue can move freely, allowing the trainee to perform these techniques almost identically to that of a patient [30].…”

“…6], animal parts [7,8], synthetic materials [9], and commercial platforms have been applied as suturing models (SM) for this purpose. These can be used in surgical training laboratories with controlled environments that can resemble the in-hospital scenario with different degrees of accuracy [10].…”

The importance of simulation training in surgical sciences

“…2,3 Animal models have similar challenges and must be rightfully justified. [4][5][6] The use of technology-enhanced simulators and models has provided a viable option to imitate real-life scenarios and for learners to acquire experience and confidence. 1,7,8 Training models must be purposefully designed.…”