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Teaching ear reconstruction using an alloplastic carving model.
Amera Murabit1, Alexander Anzarut, Laila Kasrai
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|December 2, 2010
Summary
A new surgical training model for ear reconstruction using silicone costal cartilage significantly improved carving skills. Practice is essential for surgeons to achieve and maintain high scores before operating on patients.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Education
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Ear reconstruction presents significant surgical challenges with often suboptimal patient outcomes.
- Developing effective surgical training models is crucial for improving auricular reconstruction success rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel surgical training model for auricular reconstruction.
- To assess the impact of a workshop-based instructional program on surgical trainees' skills.
Main Methods:
- A workshop-based instructional program utilizing silicone costal cartilage models was implemented.
- Trainees were divided into a workshop group (WG) and a non-workshop group (NWG), with the NWG later integrated due to frustration.
- Frameworks were carved under varying supervision levels and assessed by blinded microtia surgeons using Likert and visual analog scales.
Main Results:
- The workshop group initially scored higher in the first carving session (5.5 vs. 4.4).
- All participants showed significant improvement between the first and second carving sessions (P ≤ 0.09) and first and third (P ≤ 0.05).
- Sustained high scores without supervision were necessary, indicating the importance of extensive in vitro practice.
Conclusions:
- An effective and applicable surgical training model and method can enhance the skills required for successful ear reconstruction.
- The study highlights the necessity of supervised practice and iterative skill development in auricular reconstruction training.
