Perceptions, access, and outcomes of cadaveric training among neurosurgery residents in Mexico: A nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Cadaveric dissection is central to neurosurgical education; however, access to structured training remains uneven, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Data on cadaveric exposure, perceived value, and barriers among neurosurgery residents in Mexico are limited. METHODS: A nationwide, cross-sectional survey was distributed electronically to residents from 30 accredited training centers in Mexico, assessing cadaveric exposure, private course participation, costs, satisfaction, institutional interest, and resident-driven initiatives. Pearson's Chi-square tests and Kruskal-Wallis analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 115 residents from 26 centers completed the survey. Nearly all (97.4%) considered cadaveric practice essential, yet 57.0% reported no prior exposure during residency. Residency year was significantly associated with cadaveric exposure (χ2 [4] = 36.20, p < 0.001, Cramér's V = 0.564): no postgraduate year (PGY)1 residents reported any exposure, compared to 88.9% of PGY5 residents. Attendance at private courses followed a similar gradient (χ2 [4] = 22.89, p < 0.001, Cramér's V = 0.446). Among those with prior exposure, 72.2% were very satisfied. Interest in institutional access was nearly universal (99.1%), and prior exposure was not associated with having proposed institutional initiatives (p = 0.600). CONCLUSION: Neurosurgery residents in Mexico show strong interest in cadaveric training, and those with prior exposure report high satisfaction. Access remains limited and dependent on private initiatives, with the exposure gradient across training years reflecting personal access rather than deliberate educational design. Integrating structured cadaveric training into residency programs is necessary to close this gap and support more equitable neurosurgical education.