Suturing

[sms25]

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We're learning suture patterns now and started practicing in lab. I was using one of the banfield practice models and had an awful time with it. Trying to learn how to suture is awkward enough without having to fight with the model. My friend was practicing on a regular old sponge and had a much easier time with it. I was just wondering what everyone else is using to practice suturing. And is it worth buying left-handed instruments for surgery? I heard it's not but was wondering what others thought. Thanks!

 

[Electrophile]

When I was in grad school, I took a lab animal surgery class. We had the kit things and sponges too, but it just didn't do it for me like practicing on fresh tissue. It was like, all the sudden, I just got it because fortunately, when we had mice from experiments to cull, me and the other two guys in our research lab would practice a bit on them (both fresh pre-killed mice and anesthetized mice that would be PTS at the end). Nothing complicated, just basic simple interrupted and an occasional horizontal mattress if I was feeling particularly ambitious, but it was good practice. Odd as it sounds, raw chicken might actually work pretty well too. I heard that suggested somewhere. During one of the labs in that class, we practiced ligating the ligaments and blood vessels in a pig's foot, so if your university has a meat lab, they may be able to hook you up. Might even be able to find them in some grocery stores, mmm mmm!

I haven't taken a surgery class yet in vet school, but the vets who taught our surgery class in vet school recommended to the guy in our lab who was left handed to just learn it the right handed way, which he was fine with after some practice.

 

[chris03333]

Raw chicken that has skin works great

We also used to practice on our anatomy cadavers.

 

[norky]

We use the DASIE models. Which is pretty much a fancy sponge. I find it helpful for practicing my suture patterns, but you do spend a lot of time fighting with it. I have heard of other people using chicken, and bananas.

 

[pressmom]

One of the girls in the class ahead of me recommended pigs feet or shoulder. Good luck!

 

[WhtsThFrequency]

I second pigs feet!

But the key is , when you buy them, you should tell the grocer exactly what they are for, with a very serious look on your face. The following facial expression you get is simply priceless.

 

[sms25]

I second pigs feet!

But the key is , when you buy them, you should tell the grocer exactly what they are for, with a very serious look on your face. The following facial expression you get is simply priceless.

I'll be sure to do that. Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[Bill59]

And is it worth buying left-handed instruments for surgery?

Most lefties learn to adapt to right-handed instruments. The lock boxes are the biggest issue. But a few actually learn early on to suture with their right hand.

The problem with getting used to left-handed instruments is that most places won't have these.

 

[alliecat44]

I worked with a left-handed DACVS and he always used right-handed instruments. When I asked him, he said the exact same thing Bill did: "nobody ever has them, so I learned with right-handed instruments and just got used to it." And he is an AMAZING surgeon. 🙂