A novel model for hands-on laparoscopic pelvic surgery training on Genelyn-embalmed body: an initial feasibility study

The human donor body provides a well-accepted ex vivo model for laparoscopic surgical training. Unembalmed, or fresh-frozen, bodies comprise high-fidelity models. However, their short life span and high cost relatively limit the hands-on training benefits. In contrast, soft embalmed body of donors has a relatively longer usability without compromising tissue flexibility. This study reports the initial experience of the utility and feasibility of human donor Genelyn-embalmed body as a novel soft-embalmed cadaveric model for laparoscopic surgical training. An expert laparoscopic surgeon, who organised many fresh-frozen body donor courses, performed deep laparoscopic pelvic dissection and laparoscopic surgical tasks including suturing and electrosurgery on a single Genelyn-embalmed body. The three sessions were performed over a course of 3 weeks. The body was fully embalmed using the Genelyn technique. The technique consisted of a single-point closed arterial perfusion of embalming solution via the carotid artery with no further exposure to or immersion in embalming fluids thereafter. The donor's Genelyn-embalmed body provided a feasible model for laparoscopic surgical training. Initial experience shows evidence of this model being feasible and realistic. There was reproducibility of these qualities across a minimum of 3 weeks in this single-donor study. Initial experience shows that donor's Genelyn-embalmed body provides a novel model for laparoscopic surgical training, which possesses fidelity and is feasible for laparoscopic training. While further studies are needed to validate these findings, this technical note provides perspectives from an expert trainer regarding this model and provides a photographic and videographic atlas of this model's use in laparoscopy.