Evaluation of a hemostasis model for teaching ovariohysterectomy in veterinary surgery

Objective-To evaluate the efficacy of a reusable plastic model mimicking the anatomy and hemodynamics of the canine female genital tract for teaching basic surgical skills and ovariohysterectomy. Sample population-40 veterinary students of the class of 1998. Study design-Prospective study. Methods-Students' confidence level and experience in private practice was evaluated via questionnaire before training. Students in 2 groups performed an ovariohysterectomy on cadavers (group C, n = 20) or on the model (Group M, n = 20) for 2 hours. Students' psychomotor and basic surgical skills were objectively assessed by the following tests: ligation of a foam cylinder, passing a needle through the eyelets of an electronic suture board, and ligating latex tubing. Results were compared before and after training and within and between groups. The ability of students to perform an ovariohysterectomy in a live dog after training was compared between groups with a scoring system. Results-Students in both groups had similar surgical experience and basic skills before training. The results of the psychomotor and basic surgical skills tests were better in group M after training than group C. The improvement of each student in performing these tasks also increased when students were trained with the model. Scores assigned to students performing an ovariohysterectomy in a live dog were higher in group M (31.45 +/- 1.15) than in group C (20.7 +/- 1.42). Conclusion The model was more effective than cadavers in teaching basic surgical skills and ovariohysterectomy in dogs. (C) Copyright 2000 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.