OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study is to measure the size of the kidney of Filipino patients, considered as having normal kidney size, in three dimensions, using ultrasound.
METHODS:The ultrasound reports of 109 Filipino patients of a tertiary hospital south of Metro Manila were collected. LENGTH, WIDTH and HEIGHT of each kidney were tabulated and any associated condition seen during the procedure was noted. The ultrasonographic examination was done by only one board-certified radiologist.
RESULTS:Based on ultrasonographic measurements, the average length, width and height of the right kidney are 10.38 cm, 5.30 cm and 3.82 cm, respectively. The left kidney has mean measurements of 10.32 cm, 5.15 cm and 4.10 cm for length, width and height, respectively. The presence of co-morbid conditions did not significantly alter the size of the kidneys.
CONCLUSION:These measurements conform to the standard measurements reported in earlier local researches and in standard textbooks with non-Filipino subjects. This study offers no new findings and just reaffirms what has already been reported. The data presented in this paper will hopefully emphasize the importance of looking at kidney size in the assessment of possible kidney pathology.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; High-energy Shock Waves ; Kidney ; Philippines ; Radiologists ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Ultrasonics ; Ultrasonography

Background and Objective: Cadavers are the main teaching and learning tools utilized by faculty and students of Gross Anatomy. The conventional procedure of using formalin to preserve cadavers has its limited benefit due to its obnoxious odor, darkened color, indistinguishable small structures, rigid joints, with friable organs and tissues. Using the Thiel Method, cadavers are known to have: life-like presentation, a high degree of suppleness, natural mobilization of various body parts with tolerable odor, natural color, and antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare the Thiel soft-embalmed cadaver and the formalin-preserved cadaver for use in Gross Anatomy dissection.

Materials and Method: Six formalin-preserved cadavers were compared with six Thiel soft-embalmed ones and were evaluated by 160 first year medical students and 10 faculty members of Gross Anatomy from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine using a visual analogue scale that evaluated the cadaver's presenting color. A Likert scale was utilized to assess the skin and muscle texture, blood vessel integrity, odor, joint flexibility, and state of cadaver preservation. Their perceptions on the ease of the dissection process, distensibility, and differentiation of structures were also elicited through a questionnaire checklist.

Results: Results show that the Thiel Method-preserved cadavers were rated higher compared to the formalinpreserved cadavers in terms of: 1) presenting color; 2) tolerable odor; 3) skin and muscle texture; 4) blood vessel integrity; 5) joint flexibility; and 6) state of cadaver preservation after 1 year. However, the ease of the dissection process, the distensibility of structures, and the differentiation of the various structures were easily managed in the formalin-preserved cadavers while the feasibility of practicing laparoscopy, endoscopy, and intubation were seen in the Thiel soft-embalmed cadavers. Results validate the claims of previous studies on the advantages presented in using the Thiel Method.

Conclusion: Cadavers preserved utilizing the Thiel Method are life-like and can be used for Gross Anatomy dissection. The data gathered support the feasibility of using them also in research and training.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged (a Person 65 Through 79 Years Of Age) ; Middle Aged (a Person 45-64 Years Of Age)

BACKGROUND

Proficiency in performing thoracentesis is a key competency recommended in the Medical Schools Objective Project (MSOP) adopted by the American Association of Medical Colleges, USA, that medical students should possess prior to graduation, although they often do not practice it clinically until the later stages of their training. Thiel-embalmed cadavers, which offer a lifelike experience with less irritation than formalin-preserved cadavers, have been increasingly used as early as 1st year medical school to teach such procedures because of their feel-like and look-like real patients. There are no studies on the use of Thiel- cadavers for simulated thoracentesis among medical students in the Philippines.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the attitudes and perceptions of medical students on the use of Thiel-soft embalmed cadavers for simulated thoracentesis as to the understanding of thoracic anatomy, overall learning experience, and confidence in performing the procedure in the cadaver and possibly in the clinical setting.

METHODS

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study among Learning Unit III medical students in the University of the Philippines conducted from June 13 to 17, 2022. In the final station of the Organ System Course 205 of the Department of Anatomy's LEAP II program, a simulated thoracentesis procedure was set up using a Thiel-preserved cadaver with artificially created pleural effusion. After watching and studying thoracic anatomy, watching a video on how thoracentesis was performed by a general surgeon, students performed the procedure, and were asked to answer a 6-question Likert-scale survey to assess their perceptions and attitudes of the simulation procedure. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Most of the students strongly agreed that practicing thoracentesis on the soft cadaver has improved their understanding of the anatomical basis of doing thoracentesis (97%) and of the steps of the procedure (94.9%). Similarly, when asked about how they felt doing the simulated thoracentesis, almost all (98%) strongly agreed that it was an enjoyable and stimulating learning experience. Majority strongly agreed (68%) that they felt capable doing the procedure on a soft cadaver against less than half (38.4%) feeling capable of doing it in the clinical setting. Almost all (97%) strongly agreed that simulated thoracentesis on a soft-embalmed cadaver should be part of the learning competencies of medical students because of the skills they learn by doing the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Integrating a simulated thoracentesis using a Thiel-preserved cadaver early in the course of a student’s medical education, provided students with a better understanding of the anatomy of the thoracic wall and the anatomical basis of doing this simulation procedure. Though confidence in performing the procedure in a soft cadaver is higher than in a clinical setting, the latter setting may need repeated training to further hone their skills. Practicing thoracentesis on soft-embalmed cadavers significantly enhanced medical students' understanding and enjoyment of the procedure. This innovative approach can be considered by anatomy educators as an integrative learning activity when teaching thoracic cage anatomy. This can also be extended to senior medical students and residents across different specialties.

Human ; Thoracentesis ; Education, Medical

Background and Objective: The pandemic acted as an accelerator for the development of online teaching formats in anatomy and histology worldwide. The authors introduce a bridging program that reinforces the knowledge and understanding of gross and correlative anatomy and histology acquired in a virtual environment in preparation for its future clinical application. The study aims to evaluate the Learning Enhancement in Anatomy Program (LEAP) conducted among first-year medical students at the College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study aims to determine the initial experience of implementing a learning enhancement program and assess areas for its improvement. An internally validated questionnaire was given to students after the program to gauge students’ reactions (Kirkpatrick Level 1 evaluation). Pre- and post-tests were administered to evaluate knowledge acquisition (Kirkpatrick Level 2 evaluation). Short-term behavioral peer evaluation (Kirkpatrick Level 3 evaluation) was also instituted. Results: One hundred fifty-two (152) students participated in the study. General reactions from students to the LEAP were consistently positive, with a steady majority of the students rating ‘5’ or a ‘Strongly Agree’ to positive statements regarding the program. Higher ratings for more traditional teaching methods, such as cadavers, formalinized specimens, and bones, compared to virtual systems were apparent. However, inter-student variation in preference for teaching modalities was observed. All stations of the LEAP were evaluated satisfactorily, with most gross anatomy stations rated higher than histology stations. A significant increase was noted in the total post-test scores compared to pre-test scores. This improvement in test scores was observed in the anatomy and histology subcategories and in six of the seven organ system modules. Perceived behavioral outcomes were also generally positive. Conclusion The LEAP is a worthwhile endeavor, garnering overwhelmingly positive reactions and a significant improvement in test scores. Future studies are necessary to fine-tune teaching and training in a blended learning environment.
Anatomy ; COVID-19 ; Education, Medical ; Program Evaluation