[Learning and teaching abilities of a newly inaugurated operation technique. Analysis of learning curves and...

The Kypho-IORT procedure is a recently developed surgical technique to combine intraoperative radiotherapy with cement augmentation of the vertebra for spinal metastases. The technical feasibility and the operation principle of this new method have been described. In the following article the refinement of the standard operation procedure and the technical development of the method are described. Not only the procedural improvements but also the learning curves of the inaugurators are pointed out. Moreover, the article presents the measures which were necessary to educate trainees during surgical master classes in this new method and to transfer the method. The learning success was quantified by recording the accuracy reached by the trainees in the key procedure during hands-on cadaver exercises. Improvements of the standard operation procedure could be successfully transferred in a second master class. The method of Kypho-IORT and the demonstrated way of postgraduate education is feasible to instruct trainees. The Kypho-IORT procedure can be learnt and performed safely by running through the surgical master class.