Temporal and comparative analysis between abdomen dissection methods for aorto-caval exposure

Abstract

Introduction: The systemic exposure of the Human Body or dissection is considered of utmost importance by the study of abdominal vasculature, due to its applicability in Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Radiology and Pathology. The specialized literature does not mention comparative studies of time spent for execution of different dissection methods in order to prioritize the quickest method, and thereby, optimize academic or professional training in Anatomy or Emergency Surgery. The present research aimed at comparing the time required to perform dissection methods that prioritize the exposure of large abdominal vessels. Materials and Methods: Embalmed bodies of six adults were considered for execution (by the same professional) of Cattell-Braasch and Mattox maneuvers by manual blunt dissection or surgical instruments. Discussion: We evaluated the time spent for satisfactory completion of both maneuvers as well as for proper exposure of the large abdominal vessels, with statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitnney test with a 5% significance level. Conclusion: The Cattell-Braasch maneuver, blunt dissection or surgical instruments are similarly quick for folding of the cecum and adequate exposure of the inferior vena cava. For Mattox maneuver, blunt dissection is quicker compared to that performed by surgical instruments for the folding of the sigmoid colon and large aortic exposure.

Keywords

dissection - aorta - inferior vena cava - cattell-braasch - Mattox