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Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
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Experience report on teaching surgical technique without animal use.
Gustavo Maltez de Andrade1, Humberto Drews Pessôa Lopes2, Saulo José Oliveira Felício2
1Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, BA, Brazil.
Acta Cirurgica Brasileira
|May 29, 2015
Summary
This study details the cost-effectiveness of implementing the 3 Rs (replace, reduce, refine) in surgical education. Low-cost, reproducible experimental models for surgical technique training were developed.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Surgical Education
Background:
- The 3 Rs (replace, reduce, refine) are ethical principles for animal use in research and education.
- Implementing these principles in surgical training requires innovative, cost-effective models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the experience of implementing the 3 Rs in a school setting.
- To determine the time and assembly costs of experimental models for surgical technique and experimental surgery training.
Main Methods:
- Pork belly models for grafts and flaps.
- Bahiana box for intestinal anastomosis and jejunostomy.
- Black box for training in videosurgery.
Main Results:
- Pork belly models: 10 minutes assembly, $6.00/kg.
- Bahiana box: 2 minutes assembly, $27.20 initial cost, $3.20 per repetition.
- Black box: 3.6 hours manufacturing, $100.00 initial cost, no repetition cost.
Conclusions:
- The developed experimental models are easily reproducible.
- These models offer a low-cost solution for surgical training, aligning with the 3 Rs principles.

