Body donation in current surgical training in simulation: The experience of Poitiers on the SimLife model

Introduction. - Advances in digital simulation and virtual, augmented and consensual reality platforms raise the question whether whole body donation to science programs has an ongoing role to play in surgical training. Method. -The Anatomy, Biomechanics and Simulation Laboratory (ABS Lab) of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the University of Poitiers developed "SimLife" technology based on a fresh, or frozen and thawed, body gifted to science linked to pulsatile circulation of a blood substitute at 37 degrees C and coupled to ventilation in a shared technical module. The model exemplifies an anesthetized patient undergoing surgery with anatomical variations actually encountered in daily practice on which surgical techniques may be acquired by all approaches (e.g., "open", laparoscopic and robotic procedures) for initial and refined training of surgeons according to the principles of surgical simulation. Results. -Since SimLife's introduction, diverse surgical specialties including management of trauma, cancer, and reconstruction have confirmed the benefits of this immersive model in surgical simulation during sessions in the ABS Lab. In particular, the opportunity to train behavioral skills in addition to technical skills has spurred adoption by other Universities. Accordingly, the SimLife model is well-suited for teaching and validating national practical training. Findings. - Whole body donation to science programs provides an irreplaceable contribution to surgical training. Digital training platforms are complementary to but do not replace instruction on bodies gifted to science. (c) 2023 l'Acad ' emie nationale de m ' edecine. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.