We attended a trauma surgery workshop using soft human cadavers in Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. A special solution developed at Chulalongkorn University enabled the preserved cadavers to be kept soft and fresh. The cadavers were so well preserved that the texture of the organs was exactly the same as that of live tissue. This workshop focused on major vascular trauma, and participants included trauma residents and trauma surgeons from all over Thailand. Professor Kenneth Mattox was invited as an adviser for this entire course. The course consisted of a half-day workshop with 4 lectures, at which Dr. Mattox made comments and suggestions to the attendees, followed by a hands-on workshop. One cadaver was supplied to groups of 5 or 6 participants and one instructor was assigned to work with them. Because of their technology, a variety of trauma surgical procedures for injuries of the neck and torso were achieved, with the same feel as actual surgery on live patients. Although there are some problems, including cost, human resources, and ethical issues, this cadaver model is considered one of the most useful options for off-the-job training on trauma surgery.
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