The canine laboratory in the training of the oncology fellow

This report deals with one fellow's experience in the dog lab established to aid in the surgical training of the gynecologic oncology fellow. The first experiment was designed to train the fellow in bowel resection and end-to-end anastomosis, comparing suture and staple techniques. A second study evaluated the physical and biological properties of polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) mesh to determine its applicability in reconstructing the pelvic floor following pelvic exenteration.