Assessment of experimental animal model for training obstetric anal sphincter injury techniques.

The Multiparous Goat Pelvic Model was used to train obstetricians and residents for perineal and anal sphincter anatomy and techniques of repair of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIs). The purpose of this study was to assess the similarity of this model with human anatomy and the usefulness of goat model for training obstetricians for perineal tears. Six workshops were conducted between June 2009 and December 2010. A total of 90 participants, including 64(70.3%) residents and 26(28.5%) consultants in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, attended hands-on training workshops using experimental goat pelvic model for the repair of perineal tears. Among the consultants, 23 (88.5%), and 60 (93.7%) residents could easily identify the goat anal sphincter. With reference to the similarity to human vaginal dimensions, 20 (76.9%) consultants and 43(67.1%) residents found it to be similar with human anatomy. Evaluating the anal canal anatomy, 22 (84.6%) consultants and 34(53.1%) residents reported it to be similar to the human anal canal. The perineal body anatomy was reported as very different by both consultants and residents (80% and 67.9% respectively). All the consultants and 49(76.5%) of the residents strongly recommended the use of this model for future hands-on workshops.