Preservation of cadavers for surgical technique training.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a technique for preservation of organoleptic tissue characteristics (color, odor, texture, and flexibility) in cadavers used for surgical instruction.

STUDY

DESIGN

Experimental study.

ANIMALS: Forty-three canine cadavers.

METHODS

Cadavers were preserved with a modified Larssen solution of the Hospital Cochim, Paris and cryopreservation. Tissue handling qualities were evaluated in surgical laboratory sessions.

RESULTS

All cadavers kept texture and tissues consistency, especially skin and muscle, similar to those of live animals. Some skin desquamation and pallor of the mucous membranes occurred with repetitive freeze-thaw cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

This preservation technique provides acceptable cadaver quality and tissue handling for use in surgical instruction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Preparation of patient cadavers by intravascular injection of modified Larssen solution yielded suitable instructional models for surgical training.