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An Ovine Model for Exclusive Endoscopic Ear Surgery
Lukas Anschuetz1, Marco Bonali2, Michael Ghirelli2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Modena, Italy2Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck Surgery
|December 6, 2016
Summary
This study validates the ovine lamb as an affordable ex vivo training model for endoscopic ear surgery. The model effectively teaches essential otologic procedures like canaloplasty, enhancing surgical skills.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Education
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) is increasingly performed worldwide.
- A need exists for accessible and affordable training models for EES.
- Current training models may not fully replicate human middle ear anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an ex vivo animal model for exclusive endoscopic ear surgery.
- To assess the suitability of the ovine lamb model for EES training.
- To establish a surgical training program for key otologic procedures using this model.
Main Methods:
- Compared ovine and human middle ear anatomy in 4 specimens.
- Assessed the lamb as a model for EES, developing a training program for canaloplasty, myringoplasty, and ossiculoplasty.
- Tested the ex vivo model on 20 ovine middle ears, recording dissection times and complications, with subjective validation.
Main Results:
- All intended surgical interventions were successfully performed on the ovine model.
- Mean procedure times were recorded: canaloplasty (29.7 min), dissection (7.7 min), myringoplasty (7.7 min), and ossiculoplasty (10.4 min).
- Significant reduction in canaloplasty and flap elevation time observed with experience, alongside excellent subjective ratings for tissue quality and learning experience.
Conclusions:
- The ovine model is a suitable and effective ex vivo training tool for exclusive endoscopic ear surgery.
- The developed surgical program guides trainees through essential otologic procedures.
- This novel animal model enhances surgical skills acquisition for endoscopic ear surgery.
