How to Practice Surgery Skills on Fruit

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you’ve ever heard a news story about a 12-hour open-heart surgery that saved somebody’s life, you may have wondered how a surgeon can do something so incredible. The answer is surprisingly simple: practice. It takes a lot of training and lots of practice to become a skilled surgeon, but you don’t have to wait until you go to medical school to start. You can actually work on improving your surgery skills by practicing on fruit!

Here are 10 ways you can practice your surgery skills on fruit.

1

Make an incision in an orange with a scalpel.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take a fresh scalpel and cut through just the outer peel of the orange. Avoid slicing open the segments of the fruit beneath the peel to simulate cutting skin without damaging the muscles beneath it. [1]
    • The peel of an orange is pretty similar to human skin and it’s a great way to get a feel for how hard you need to press the scalpel blade when making your incisions. [2]
    2. Advertisement
2

Lift a section of orange peel with dissection scissors.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Dissection scissors are specially designed surgical tools used for cutting and dissecting tissue. Make 2 parallel incisions in the peel of an orange with a scalpel, then take a pair of dissection scissors and insert them into the opening. Gently open the scissors to spread the peel without damaging the fruit. Then, lift up the section of peel to expose the segments beneath it. [3]
    • This is a technique known as “blunt dissection.” [4]
    • You can also use this for practicing the initial incisions involved in deep tissue surgery. The exposed segment of the fruit is like the muscle and tissue you’ll need to penetrate.
3

Sew the incisions on the orange back together.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Attach surgical thread to a surgical needle. Align the peel as closely as you can and push the needle into the 1 side of the incision and out through the other side. Gently pull on the thread to tighten it and connect the 2 sides of the incision. [5]
    2. Advertisement
4

Tie the sutures into square knots and trim the thread.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Make a simple square knot by taking both sides of the thread, looping them around each other, making another loop on top, and pulling 1 thread through the opening. Repeat the process at least 3 times and gently pull the thread to make a tight knot. [6]
    • While you may likely use a knot-tying surgical device in the operating room, it’s still good practice to know how to tie a suture by hand!
5

Poke a needle into an orange.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take a surgical needle and press it into the peel of an orange until you pierce the fruit segment beneath. Use this technique to get used to the pressure you need to apply whenever you’re penetrating a patient’s joint to drain fluid or check for compartment syndrome, a condition where pressure builds up in a confined space. [7]
    2. Advertisement
6

Cut grape skin with tiny surgical scissors.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d3\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Skin is thinner and more delicate in certain areas of the body, such as the face. A grape is a great fruit to use to simulate thin, fragile skin. Take a pair of small surgical scissors and make an incision in the skin of the grape without piercing the soft flesh beneath it. [8] >
    • Grapes are also great because if you make a mistake, it’s no problem! Just grab another one and try again.
7

Sew cut grape skin back together.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After making an incision in a grape with a pair of surgical scissors or scalpel, gently insert a surgical needle and thread into 1 side of the incision and out of the other. Carefully sew it back together to practice delicate cutting and stitching. [9]
    • Grape skin tears and rips easily, so take your time and go slowly.
    2. Advertisement
8

Slice a banana’s peel to simulate a deep cut.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Banana skin is also remarkably similar to human skin, and they’re a cheap and simple way to practice sutures. Make a cut in the banana with a scalpel or a knife, then use a surgical needle and thread and sew the skin back together. [10]
9

Push toothpicks deep into a tomato.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Removing splinters are technically a minor surgical operation, and doing it right can help reduce pain and minimize the risk of infection. Take some toothpicks, break them in half, and push them deep into a tomato. Take a pair of tweezers, grip the end of the toothpick, and gently remove the splinter. Pull the toothpick out in the same direction it was pushed in to minimize tissue damage. [11]
    • Use a cotton pad or gauze to dab up any tomato juice, just like you would with blood from a deep splinter wound.
    2. Advertisement
10

Dissect a clementine in an opaque box.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Practice-Surgery-Skills-on-Fruit-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For a more complicated challenge, cut holes into the top of an opaque box and place a clementine inside. Use scissors and a grasper to remove the peel and the pith (the white membrane beneath). Then, use a surgical needle and thread to suture the peel closed. [12]
    • You could also insert a camera into the box and perform the “operation” while watching the video to simulate internal surgery.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Don’t get frustrated if you make a mistake. Messing up an incision on a banana doesn’t hurt anybody. Besides, you can still eat it!
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Make sure children are supervised if they’re using a scalpel to practice surgery on fruit.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Read an MRI
      How to
      Insert a Nasal Cannula
      How to
      Use a Stethoscope
      How to
      Sterilize a Needle
      How to
      Administer IV Fluids
      How to Safely Take Out a PICC Line
      How to
      Insert a Catheter
      How to
      Troubleshoot a Difficult Venipuncture
      How to
      Write a Mental Health Assessment
      How to
      Write a Prescription
      How to
      Perform a Medical Physical Exam
      How to
      Test Blood to Make Sure It's Real
      How to
      Do the Glass Test
      How to
      Insert a Nasogastric (NG) Tube
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/cMUBWG74S3U?t=277
      2. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518792/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/cMUBWG74S3U?t=410
      4. ↑ https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/blunt%20dissection
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/cMUBWG74S3U?t=560
      6. ↑ http://abilitatipracticecluj.ro/pdf/eng/Chir_eng_07_Surgical_knots_and_sutures.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.statnews.com/2016/01/22/surgery-practice/
      8. ↑ https://bjo.bmj.com/content/bjophthalmol/early/2022/06/14/bjophthalmol-2022-321135.full.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/low-tech-surgeons-training-2016-1#4-grapes-4
      1. ↑ https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/1358/1/012018/pdf
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/dv6uq8hIj4U?t=52
      3. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2012/06/27/155838967/what-clementines-can-teach-surgeons

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 36,438 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement