Learning Gains of Liver Resection and Transplantation Workshop on Genelyn® Embalmed Human Cadavers: Surgical Gastroenterologists’ Perceptions

Abstract

Background: In the light of increased requirement for liver transplantation procedures, it is pertinent to develop bankable human expertise in the areas of liver resection and anastomoses. The alternative simulator sources available for learning surgical skills might not always provide the realistic learning gains as provided by human cadavers, especially in terms of haptic and tactile fidelity. For the first time, we have used GenelynÒ embalmed cadavers (GEC) for training the surgical gastroenterologists in liver resection and transplantation procedures and we wish to document our experience of using them to facilitate the learning of liver resection procedures. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional satisfaction survey fitting to the first level of the Kirkpatrick model for training evaluation was performed among participating surgical gastroenterologists of liver resection and transplantation training workshop using GEC. Visual, haptic and tactile characteristics of the liver and related structures were assessed along with overall satisfaction of the workshop. Results: Eleven surgical gastroenterologists had participated in the workshop conducted using three GEC. Nine participants agreed that the transection of liver parenchyma was similar to reality. However, two opined that the liver parenchyma was a bit harder to resect. Identification of portal pedicle, dissection of the peri-portal area and securing vascular anastomoses also had an acceptable level of similarity to real life. The two parameters that received a unanimous degree of the agreement are mobilization of liver and cannulation of key vessels for perfusion. Conclusion: Participants of the cadaveric surgical skills training workshop opined that the soft-embalmed cadaver using GenelynÒ is an excellent realistic model for practicing liver resection and transplantation surgery.