Cadaveric Skill Lab: An Advanced Training Tool

Editorial

"No accurate account of any part of the body, including even its skin, can be rendered without the knowledge of anatomy. Hence anyone, who wishes to acquire a thorough knowledge of anatomy must prepare a dead body, and carefully examine all its parts"-Sushruta Samhita (600 BC) [1]. Human anatomy is one of the basic essential sciences of medicine [2]. Anatomy is a “visual science”. More we see, better we understand. More we dissect, better we remember. The history of anatomy is characterized by a progressive understanding of the functions of the organs and structures of the human body. Human anatomy is an important part of the medical curriculum. Cadaveric dissection is an excellent method for learning anatomy. Cadaver dissection is the nearest simulation to the surgical procedures. It helps in intellectual changeover from cadaveric lab to operation theatre. The utility of cadaver dissection can’t be ignored later in our medical careers. After becoming physician or surgeon, it is better to learn and master the surgical techniques and different invasive procedures on cadavers prior to attempting them on living patients. Beginners usually refine their anatomy knowledge and skills by conducting operations directly on patients which should not be done. Therefore, cadaver based skill learning courses will be a boon for physicians and surgeons for imparting training to them. This will help to understand the minute details of anatomy as newer advancements in medical science necessitates the proper knowledge of interior of human body for better approach during minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or laparoscopic surgery.

Cadaver based skills learning courses have been now recognized as the best way to impart training to medical students and trained medical professionals. The Cadaveric skill lab for training and research has been established in King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, and Uttar Pradesh, India with the aim of promoting the education and training of health care professionals through realistic learning experiences. It will definitely help in motor skill development of young doctors especially of surgical specialities like general surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, gastrointestinal surgery, cardiothoracic vascular surgery, peripheral nerve surgery and critical care medicine. Beginners in neurosurgery will be much benefitted as the surgical access routes are narrow and the vital structures of body i.e. brain and spinal cord could not be moved. A small fault in surgery in this area can result in devastating situation. This is the best way of training as compared to video simulations and mannequins as it provides hands-on dissection on cadavers. Technical advancements in the medical field are developing day by day. So, to keep oneself updated, the Cadaveric skill lab is the best advanced training facility. It is a boon for mastering any surgical technique and invasive procedures before applying on living patients. The surgeons can practice their skill on cadavers without any hindrance of risk. Cadaveric skill lab provides facilities and resources for conducting courses for graduates and professionals. It is complimented by technically advanced, well equipped seminar halls with facilities to conduct lectures, video- conferences. Various equipment like audio-video operation theatre unit, classroom live setup, OT table (hydraulic) c-arm compatible and OT light ceiling double dome halogen bulb are available in our setup. In addition, a large area is devoted for cadaver procurement and preparation facility. It includes a storage facility which can currently accommodate 20 cadavers. There is also a freezer and refrigeration unit for specimen storage. Our centre is ideal for hosting a cadaver workshop, allowing for hands-on cadaver dissections/surgical procedures along with didactic lectures in one of the conference rooms. Various local and national workshops have been organized under the aegis of different departments as Neurosurgery, ENT, Orthopaedics and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.

Conclusion

A cadaveric skill laboratory is a place where trainees can ripen and master the advance surgical techniques. For achieving flawless skill, much more laboratories in India should be established at different localities. This will definitely help in providing better patient care services as life saving measures. We are looking forward for research projects which will help in making the standard of training to the optimum.

Acknowledgments

We are thankful to Prof. AK Srivastava and Prof. PK Sharma for their untiring efforts and guidance in establishing this laboratory. We are indebted to those departed souls who have donated their bodies for training and research for the advancement of medical education.