(632.27) Teaching Reproductive Anatomy through Abdominal Hysterectomy on a Cadaver
Monday, April 4, 2022
10:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Exhibit/Poster Hall A-B - Pennsylvania Convention Center
Poster Board Number: C41 Introduction: AAA has separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters. Odd poster #s – 10:15 am – 11:15 am Even poster #s – 11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Tannice Fogarthy (Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine), Emily Richter (Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine), Rakesh Ravikumaran Nair (Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine)
Presenting Author Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Introduction: Medical journals have stated there is a decrease in anatomical knowledge amongst medical students which then hinders their knowledge of pathologic processes. Performing a hysterectomy requires knowledge of the uterine structures and the ability to properly identify them. Performing a hysterectomy would allow for 4th year medical students interested in the field of obstetrics and gynecology to learn these structures as well as learn the steps of a hysterectomy prior to residency.
Objective: To perform an abdominal hysterectomy as a means to enhance pelvic anatomical knowledge and introduce 4th year medical students to the operative technique.
Material and Methods
Two fourth year medical students at HWCOM (CO2022) participated. The abdomen was opened, and its contents retracted to obtain access to the genitourinary structures. The round ligament was ligated and divided opening the retroperitoneal space. The utero-ovarian ligament was then clamped, divided and ligated. The ovary was left attached to the infundibulopelvic ligament. The same steps were repeated on the opposite side. The anterior vaginal wall was then exposed by dissecting the bladder off the anterior wall of the lower uterine segment and cervix. The uterine vessels were skeletonized bilaterally at the lower uterine segment then clamped and ligated. The remaining parts of the broad ligament was then clamped, divided and ligated to the cervix. The broad ligament was then detached from the lateral cervix further exposing the upper vagina. The vagina was then divided below the cervix with a scalpel, and the uterus and cervix were then removed. The vaginal apex was then closed with a figure of 8 stitch.
Results/Images
There were 8 main steps as illustrated by the pictures in the appendix for visual aid and future instruction of medical students.
Conclusion and Significance/Implication: Performing a hysterectomy on a cadaver required knowledge of uterine anatomy, its surrounding structures and the steps of a hysterectomy. This can be a method to teach medical students uterine anatomy. Future implications of this practice on students first live hysterectomy are yet to be explored but worthwhile as a future study.
