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Anatomy is the key to mastery in cancer and general surgery: the results of a survey on anatomical knowledge among surgeons
, 4, 125, 236
Affiliations- Department of General, Oncological and Vascular Surgery, 5th Military Clinical Hospital in Kracow, Krakow, Poland
- Chair of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Scientific Editorial Office, Warsaw, Poland
- Scanmed St. Raphael Hospital, Krakow, Poland
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Abstract
Introduction.Cancer and general surgery is a medical field in which anatomical knowledge is crucial. The anatomy taught to medical students is based on a standardized model of the body, with no regard paid to anatomical variations which can result in serious difficulties and disorientation during surgical procedures.
Material and methods.Our goal was to assess anatomical knowledge, including anatomical variations, among surgeons. The questionnaire was administered among a group of 90 surgeons (general [69.7%] and oncological [20.2%]). The mean number of years in practice in their respective field was 12.9 ± 9.3.
Results.All participants were unanimous in declaring that anatomical knowledge was required in everyday surgical practice. The responses were also consistent in describing the role of knowledge of anatomical variations, declaring it “very important” and “important” in avoiding complications (76.4%). The majority of surgeons rated their anatomical aptitude as “good” (57.3%) or “very good” (13.5%).
Conclusions.The anatomical knowledge of Polish general and cancer surgeons is satisfactory.
Abstract
Introduction.Cancer and general surgery is a medical field in which anatomical knowledge is crucial. The anatomy taught to medical students is based on a standardized model of the body, with no regard paid to anatomical variations which can result in serious difficulties and disorientation during surgical procedures.
Material and methods.Our goal was to assess anatomical knowledge, including anatomical variations, among surgeons. The questionnaire was administered among a group of 90 surgeons (general [69.7%] and oncological [20.2%]). The mean number of years in practice in their respective field was 12.9 ± 9.3.
Results.All participants were unanimous in declaring that anatomical knowledge was required in everyday surgical practice. The responses were also consistent in describing the role of knowledge of anatomical variations, declaring it “very important” and “important” in avoiding complications (76.4%). The majority of surgeons rated their anatomical aptitude as “good” (57.3%) or “very good” (13.5%).
Conclusions.The anatomical knowledge of Polish general and cancer surgeons is satisfactory.
Keywords
anatomy; professional education; surgery; anatomic variation; medical errors
About this articleTitle
Anatomy is the key to mastery in cancer and general surgery: the results of a survey on anatomical knowledge among surgeons
Journal
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology
Issue
Article type
Research paper (original)
Pages
226-230
Published online
2022-05-25
Page views
3915
Article views/downloads
271
DOI
Bibliographic record
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2022;72(4):226-230.
Keywords
anatomy
professional education
surgery
anatomic variation
medical errors
Authors
Katarzyna A. Kowalczyk
Adrianna Majewski
Wojciech Wysocki
Krzysztof Tomaszewski
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