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Animal models in plastic and reconstructive surgery simulation-a review
Charles Yuen Yung Loh1, Aline Yen Ling Wang2, Vincent Tze Yang Tiong3
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|December 13, 2017
Summary
This review summarizes animal models for plastic surgery training, covering microsurgery, flap raising, facial, and hand surgery. Cadaveric models are recommended over live models when possible for surgical skill development.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Plastic Surgery Training Models
Background:
- Animal models are crucial for surgical skill development in a controlled environment.
- Live and cadaveric animal models are established methods for surgical training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review, evaluate, and summarize animal models applicable to plastic surgery training.
- To identify and categorize existing literature on animal models for surgical education.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a PubMed search using keywords related to animal models in Plastic Surgery.
- Included models relevant to the plastic surgery curriculum, even those overlapping with other specialties.
- Assessed the level of evidence and provided recommendations for each surgical model.
Main Results:
- Identified animal models in four key areas: microsurgery, flap raising, facial surgery, and hand surgery.
- Detailed findings include 24 articles on microsurgery, 14 on flap raising, 8 on hand surgery, and 8 on head and neck procedures.
- Various methods for practicing specific surgical techniques were described across different animal models.
Conclusions:
- Compiled a comprehensive summary of animal models for plastic surgery training.
- Cadaveric animal models offer accessible training for numerous procedures.
- Recommended prioritizing cadaveric models over live models when feasible for training purposes.
