Simulations for Surgical Training in Veterinary Medicine

Students of veterinary medicine finishing their academic cycle show difficulty performing basic surgical techniques, which could be attributed to the few practical spaces provided in current curricula and the bioethical rules that regulate the use of animals for education and research. This study aimed to confirm a technique for surgical training in veterinary medicine, performing simulations of aural hematomas (<i>n</i> = 7), removal of subcutaneous masses (<i>n</i> = 7), and orchiectomies (<i>n</i> = 5). Eleven cadavers were used: 4 dogs and 7 cats. The evaluation was performed by expert veterinarians who also teach veterinary surgery (<i>n</i> = 7). Physical, mechanical, and organoleptic variables were analyzed. The data obtained were analyzed using multiple correspondence analysis. The results showed that the simulation for training on preserving cadavers is a valuable tool for undergraduate courses. The evaluation results were better for simulating aural hematoma and removing subcutaneous masses in dog and cat cadavers. At the same time, the surgical training of orchiectomy showed difficulties related to tissue preservation and its complex handling. Finally, it is remarked that variables, such as color and tissue resistance, are important factors to consider when preparing cadavers for simulation and surgical veterinary training; that is, the more faithful that these two aspects are to the reality of living tissues, the better the simulation experience will be.