An extensive cadaveric dissection featuring surgical anatomy of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis.

Abstract

Purpose: An extensive cadaveric dissection of the male torso was undertaken by a final year medical student with 4 years of prosection experience. The purpose of this project was to demonstrate the surgically relevant anatomy within the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities, in addition to the genital, axillary and femoral regions.

Procedure: First, the anterior chest and abdominal walls were separated from the torso and the left lung was excised to expose the posterior chest wall. The right lung remained in situ, with a window exhibiting the branching airways and vasculature. The blood and nerve supply to the heart was demonstrated, revealing a double bypass graft to the left anterior descending and circumflex arteries. The detailed neurovasculature of the thoracic cage, left mediastinum and axillary regions were also shown. Green-coloured paint was used to highlight lymphatic drainage of the body, including the thoracic duct, an uncommonly preserved structure in cadaveric specimens. Red-coloured silicone was injected into the abdominal aorta, just superior to the celiac trunk to highlight arterial supply of the abdominal and pelvic viscera, external genitalia and femoral triangles. Sections of the small and large intestines, gastrointestinal ligaments and omenta were removed for better visualization. Windows into the liver, pancreas, kidney and spleen were created to demonstrate their internal structures and branching vasculature. High quality images of the dissection will be featured in this presentation along with explanations of surgically significant anatomy.

Conclusion: This comprehensive dissection will serve as a revision tool to highlight the surgically relevant anatomy for students and clinicians.