Endogent: Centre for Anatomy and Invasive Techniques

Abstract

Gross anatomy is one of the fundamental topics in medical education. Dissection courses still play an important role in learning it, as well in undergraduate as in postgraduate education. In addition new endoscopical techniques for surgery and interventional radiology are invented and demand improved training at postgraduate level. The Endogent Centre for Anatomy and Invasive Techniques at the Ghent University support these requirements by establishing hands-on practical training courses by using new procedures for cadaver embalming. This new approach is introduced by Endogent, which is a cooperation and a collaboration between the surgeryanaesthesia department (Commission of Surgery) of the University Hospital Ghent and the department of anatomy, embryology, histology and medical physics (University Ghent). It is used for training techniques in postgraduate education: workshops for international surgeons and aspirant-surgeons are organized to learn already known and new invasive techniques on human bodies. In the future also undergraduate medical students will have the opportunity to get practical experience through Endogent.

Walter Thiel's Embalming Method: Review of Solutions and Applications in Different Fields of Biomedical Research

“…Despite variations in the application of Thiel's original method (Kerckaert et al;Bertone et al;Eisma et al, 2013b;Hayashi et al, 2014;Hammer et al, 2015a) the results in terms of the characteristics of the cadavers were similar in all studies; the cadavers were well maintained and had good color preservation.…”

“…In this regard, since the appearance of the Thiel method in 1992, many authors have reproduced the original technique (Groscurth et al, 2001;Wolff etal., 2008;Hölzle et al, 2012;Hunter et al, 2014;Cabello et al, 2015;Willaert et al, 2016) and in more recent studies, they have made modifications to the technique: in compound concentrations, in their combination and in the creation of solutions (Kerckaert et al, 2008;Bertone et al;Eisma et al, 2013b;Hayashi et al, 2014;Hammer et al, 2015a) (Tables III and IV). The cadavers are perfused using the internal saphenous vein (Thiel, 1992;Groscurth et al) and in case of difficulty finding it, the femoral or the common carotid artery can be used (Bertone et al;Hammer et al, 2015a).…”

Composite Bone Models in Orthopaedic Surgery Research and Education

“…Some preservation methods ensure tissue-handling characteristics of cadaver muscles and tendons that are immediately comparable to those in living patients. 4,5 In addition, because of the anatomically complete nature of cadaver specimens, all aspects of a particular surgical approach may be practiced in sequence, from incision to closure, including the management of soft tissues. Privately run contract-driven, cadaver-based surgical training centers offer a realistic operating room experience to trainees in orthopaedic surgery.…”

“…3 Use of traditional formalin-based embalming solutions may excessively stiffen soft tissues. 4 Recently developed embalming solutions may preserve tissue-handling characteristics, but they are expensive and require even more specialized storage of specimens under vacuum refrigeration. 4,5 Cadaver specimens are costly to ship and require specialized pathologic waste disposal procedures.…”

“…Privately run contract-driven, cadaver-based surgical training centers offer a realistic operating room experience to trainees in orthopaedic surgery. 3,4 Cadaver specimens present unique challenges in the academic setting. For example, a recent situation analysis of cadaver source sustainability suggests that availability may become increasingly tenuous as the rising demand further strains the already inefficient method of acquiring the bodies of unclaimed deceased from the state.…”