Simulation of Reconstructive Microsurgery in Soft Embalmed Cadavers: A Teaching Module for Plastic Surgery Residents.
Research article published in Indian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (2022)
Abstract
Background Cadaveric dissection courses-comprising flap harvesting techniques, vessel dissections, flap transfers to the defect, and microvascular anastomosis-would help residents gain confidence and master these difficult major reconstructive microsurgery procedures. Formalin embalmed bodies lack natural softness and many other features of a live body. Many soft embalming techniques have evolved to mimic live tissue and Theil technique is the most popular one among them. We explored alternate soft embalming options and started using Genelyn. Materials and Methods Over a span of 2 years (2019-2021), we have conducted three flap dissection workshops using soft-embalmed cadavers. Six soft-embalmed and two formalin-embalmed cadavers were used. Total number of participants was 80. Results Feedback of experience from the third course participants in the form of grades (1-5) for different criteria was obtained and evaluated. Confidence in the dissection of the various flaps and microsurgery is noticeable in all the participants. Conclusion Based on our experience, we propose that flap dissection and microsurgery training on soft-embalmed cadavers be included as a teaching module in the plastic surgery postgraduate curriculum.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Simulation of Reconstructive Microsurgery in Soft Embalmed Cadavers: A Teaching Module for Plastic Surgery Residents.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This report describes a plastic-surgery teaching module in which three flap-dissection and microvascular-anastomosis workshops (80 participants) were run on soft-embalmed cadavers, with Genelyn explored as an alternative to the Thiel soft-embalming technique, and participant feedback grades suggested improved confidence in flap and microsurgery techniques. The connection to ASH is indirect but real: medicinal leeches are an established adjunct for managing venous congestion in exactly the free-flap and replantation microsurgery these residents are being trained to perform, so the study underscores the surgical context where hirudotherapy is applied. As a descriptive training-experience report using subjective feedback rather than a controlled clinical study, it offers no efficacy data and makes no claims about leech therapy or patient outcomes.
Citation
Simulation of Reconstructive Microsurgery in Soft Embalmed Cadavers: A Teaching Module for Plastic Surgery Residents.
Manikumari et al. · Indian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India, 2022
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