142 - Comparing Embalming Techniques for Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Education

Poster Board Number: 142
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Mina Zeroual - Assistant Professor, 1. Division of Anatomical Sciences, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, McGill University; David El-Adam - Student, 2. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Gatineau,, McGill University; Peter Tai - Student, 2. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Gatineau,, McGill University; Gabriel Venne - Associate Professor, 1. Division of Anatomical Sciences, Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, McGill University; Joy Balta, PhD - Associate Professor, 3, 4 Anatomy Learning Institute, College of Health Sciences, Department of Surgery,, UC San Diego School of Medicine; Geoffroy Noel - Professor, Department of Surgery, UC San Diego School of Medicine

Abstract Body : Introduction</u><br><br>The practice of dissection provides medical trainees the invaluable opportunity to develop proficiency in dissection techniques, closely examine anatomical structures, and familiarize themselves with the variations they may encounter in the anatomy lab. However, the challenges in dissecting the human body vary across different regions, with certain areas, such as the head and neck region, posing distinctive complexities. <br><br>The present work will undertake a comparative analysis of two dissection approaches, the grant dissection approach of the neck versus an exposed recurrent laryngeal nerve dissection by cutting the thyroid isthmus and part of the anterior neck muscles. Additionally, it will involve cadavers preserved through ether ICL-SP embalming or formalin embalming methods.<u></u><br><br> <u>Materials and Methods</u><br><br>A literature review involving embalming techniques, and recurrent laryngeal nerve anatomy will be included as a baseline. Using a combined McGill and foreign experience on soft- and formalin-embalming dissection by using a set of criteria including: 1) preservation duration, 2) tissue flexibility, 3) color retention, 4) odor, and 5) Tutor & trainees dissection experience. We will also compare which of the two dissections approaches is better to teach the neurovasculature of the neck region.<u></u><br><br><u>Results</u><br><br> We hypothesize that 1) soft embalming may exhibit similar, preservation duration than formalin, while 2) preserving life-like tissue flexibility and texture, and 3) retaining visually accurate color representation, 4) without the unpleasant olfactory sensation of formalin embalming, and 5) with enhanced, more realistic dissection experience. Also, we posit that an approach that reveals more extensive view of the neurovascular structures in the neck, encompassing the recurrent laryngeal nerve, is preferable for teaching these intricate anatomical features.<br><br><u>Conclusion</u><br><br>Soft-embalming techniques demonstrate potential superiority over traditional formalin-based embalming. This is especially clear when considering their efficacy in achieving the primary objective of anatomy teaching for medical education, by enhancing comprehension of the human body to develop clinical expertise and surgical competencies.<br><br> <br><br><u>Implications</u><br><br>This approach holds the potential of providing a more life-like experience and enhancing students' visualization and understanding of anatomical structures. Future research should prioritize comprehensive studies, encompassing medical students' experiences with both embalming techniques and various dissection approaches. <br><br>