Evaluation on the perception of soft body cadavers usage among malaysian otorhinolaryngology residents during postgraduate anatomical education

This study aims to investigate the perceptions of otorhinolaryngology surgical residents on the use of soft body cadavers for their postgraduate anatomical education. This study employed a cross-sectional quantitative methodology to explore the perceptions of otorhinolaryngology surgical residents across four Malaysian university hospitals and various government hospital training facilities. Data were collected via a validated questionnaire including three different clinical themes in relation to the application of soft body cadavers. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. Sixty-one postgraduate residents participated in this study, the majority of whom were female (62.3%). Soft body cadavers were perceived to improve anatomy knowledge (59.0%), motivation (73.8%), differentiation of structures (67.2%), and 3-D orientation (63.9%), while offering more realistic coloration (73.8%) and clearer spatial relations (55.7%). In contrast, formalin-preserved cadavers were considered more practical for laboratory use (60.7%) and easier to handle (36.1%), though fresh frozen cadavers were preferred for revision and self-directed learning (65.6%). Statistical analysis showed no significant gender differences except for clinical knowledge improvement ( p = 0.038), with significant perception differences across age groups but not residency year. Soft body cadavers were perceived as more effective for anatomical learning among otorhinolaryngology residents, though formalin specimens remained practical for laboratory use.