Preservation of cadavers for surgical technique training
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Updated: Aug 20, 2026
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Published on: November 19, 2017
Rosane Maria Guimarães da Silva1, Julia Maria Matera, Antonio Augusto Coppi Maciel Ribeiro
1Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil. materajm@usp.br
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.
