Published 15 June 2009, doi:10.1136/bmj.b2426
Cite this as: BMJ 2009;338:b2426

Letters

Laparoscopic surgery training

Try fresh frozen cadavers

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

Virtual reality simulation in training for laparoscopic surgery has advantages,¹ but a more realistic training for teams can be achieved with fresh frozen cadavers. Our two specialist colorectal centres currently use such cadavers for laparoscopic colorectal training for the national training programme. Cadavers are fresh frozen and thawed before use, providing a realistic operative experience for trainees and the team in terms of:

• Perfect reproduction of laparoscopic anatomical landmarks
  
• Realistic flexibility and consistency of tissue
  
• Tactile feedback from tissue handling
  
• Gravity and retraction making simulation more realistic
  
• Technical steps being identical to those in live operations.
  

Simulation based training occurring outside the clinical setting risks isolating the trainer from the team, and creates an oversimplification of a complex reality.^{2 3} Laparoscopic training using fresh cadavers allows all members of the team—surgeon, assistant, and theatre nurse—to train together. The team also gains experience of operation room set-up, use of instruments, and patient . . . [Full text of this article]

¹ Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham NG7 2UH, ² Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN

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