Comparison of the use of fresh-frozen canine cadavers and a realistic composite ex vivo simulator for training in small animal flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy.

OBJECTIVE To compare the usefulness of fresh-frozen canine cadavers (FFCCs) and a validated canine simulator model for training veterinary students in basic gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. DESIGN Randomized trial. SAMPLE 48 veterinary students in their final year of training. PROCEDURES Students were randomly assigned to receive basic gastrointestinal endoscopic training on a canine simulator or FFCC. All students were trained as assigned in esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopic gastric biopsy, and gastric foreign body removal for 2 h/d for 5 days. They then performed each procedure on a live dog, and procedure completion time and performance ability were compared between groups. Two experienced endoscopists used a validated Likert-type procedural rating scale to rate the students' performance. Students completed a survey to rate their training model. RESULTS No significant differences were identified between groups in quality of performance of the 3 endoscopic procedures on a live dog. Students required significantly less time to complete the procedures on a live dog when trained on an FFCC versus canine simulator. Although both training models were considered equally useful by students, training on the simulator was significantly more stimulating. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Students showed the same skill level in performing basic endoscopic procedures on live dogs regardless of the training model used, although students who trained on the FFCC completed these procedures faster than students trained on the canine simulator. Use of the simulator appeared to be a viable alternative to use of FFCCs for veterinary endoscopic training, providing students with a good level of proficiency before performing endoscopic procedures on live dogs.