Single Pedicle Advancement Flap Models for Teaching Veterinary Reconstructive Surgical Techniques

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Surgery
• Surgical Education
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Challenging wound defects in veterinary practice require advanced reconstructive surgical techniques.
• Limited opportunities exist for veterinary students to practice complex surgical skills on live animals or cadavers.
• Existing surgical models enhance practice but specific models for veterinary reconstructive surgery are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel silicone model for practicing single pedicle advancement flap techniques in veterinary surgery.
• To assess the impact of the model on fifth-year veterinary science students' surgical technique and confidence.
• To compare the efficacy of additional practice sessions using the model on skill improvement.

Main Methods:

• A single pedicle advancement flap model was developed using silicone and a tension-providing plate.
• Fifth-year veterinary students (n=34) were divided into a trial group (2 practice sessions) and a control group (0 practice sessions).
• Student surgical technique was assessed before and after practice, and confidence was surveyed.

Main Results:

• Students reported strong agreement that the model reinforced the subdermal plexus flap technique and boosted confidence.
• Both groups showed significant improvement in surgical technique after initial exposure and assessment.
• No significant difference in technique improvement was observed between the trial and control groups.

Conclusions:

• The single pedicle advancement flap model effectively enhances veterinary students' reconstructive surgical technique and confidence.
• A single practice session with the model leads to significant skill improvement.
• The model can be a valuable adjunct to existing veterinary surgical training methods.