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Published on: February 12, 2022
Total mesorectal excision training in soft cadaver: feasibility and clinical application
Kasaya Tantiphlachiva1, Channarong Suansawan
1Department of Surgery and Surgical Training Center Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Summary
Soft cadaver training for total mesorectal excision (TME) is feasible. Participants found TME training in soft cadavers satisfactory, with good organ and tissue plane preservation, enhancing surgical skills.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Colorectal Surgery
- Anatomical Simulation
Background:
- Local recurrence remains a significant challenge in rectal cancer treatment.
- Total mesorectal excision (TME) has reduced recurrence rates from 100% to approximately 10%.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate organ and tissue plane preservation quality in soft cadavers.
- To assess the feasibility of performing TME procedures in a soft cadaver model.
Main Methods:
- A prospective descriptive study involving 21 participants training on 7 soft cadavers.
- Procedures included colon and rectum mobilization, TME, and stapler anastomosis under expert supervision.
- Standardized questionnaires assessed satisfaction and organ preservation quality.
Main Results:
- Participants reported high satisfaction with TME training in soft cadavers (mean scores 8.24-8.71).
- Soft cadavers demonstrated good preservation of internal organs and tissue planes (mean scores 7.19-8.19).
Conclusions:
- Soft cadaver training for TME is a viable educational method.
- The realistic tissue quality and procedural feel in soft cadavers improve trainees' understanding and skills.
