Cavernous sinus tumor model in the canine: a simulation model for cavernous sinus tumor surgery

The recent limitations of working hours for neurosurgical trainees carry the risk of decreasing the amount of microsurgical experience. In the absence of enough surgical exposure to some pathological states, an alternative option of a more continuous source of tactile and visual experience that simulates the real-life state is needed. To help with this problem, we established a cavernous sinus tumor model in the canine.

A gliosarcoma cell line that was harvested from a tumor model in nude mice was implanted in six mongrel dogs. In the first group (two dogs), the cell line was implanted in the dural leaflets of the cavernous sinus. (Immunosuppression was used in one dog.) In the second group (four dogs), the cell line was implanted in the region of the gasserian ganglion. (Immunosuppression was used in all four dogs.) The condition of each dog was followed through neurological examinations and serial magnetic resonance imaging. The cavernous sinus region later was explored, after which the dogs were later killed and histopathological evaluations of the cavernous sinus region was carried out.

The initial cell line implanted within the dural leaflets of the cavernous sinus showed no evidence of tumor growth. The tumor grew in all four dogs that had the gliosarcoma cell line implanted in the region of the gasserian ganglion. The clinical and radiological features as well as the experience of the surgical dissection of these tumors simulated cavernous sinus tumors in humans.

We established the first cavernous sinus tumor model in the canine. This model simulates the real-life pathological state, and it can be used as an alternative source of surgical experience to advance surgical skills.