Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
Learning Modern Laryngeal Surgery in a Dissection Laboratory
Published on: March 18, 2020
A live porcine model for surgical training in tracheostomy, neck dissection, and total laryngectomy
Ignacio Alcalá Rueda1,2, José Miguel Villacampa Aubá3, Alberto Encinas Vicente3
1Otolaryngology Department, University Hospital Infanta Elena, Carretera de Alpedrete a Moralzarzal, M-608 Km 41, Collado Villalba, 28400, Madrid, Spain. alcalarueda@hotmail.com.
Objectives:
Head and neck surgery is associated with a steep learning curve, creating a need for effective training methods. Live animal models can be useful in acquiring the required skills and techniques to perform tracheostomy, neck dissection, and laryngectomy. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and usefulness of a porcine model to teach tracheostomy, neck dissection, and laryngectomy, describing the similarities between a swine head and neck surgical model and the human cervical area.
Methods:
Twelve surgical training sessions were held with the use of a live porcine model maintained under general anaesthesia; a total of 39 procedures were performed. In each session, one otolaryngology resident per year performed a procedure to acquire the targeted competencies for their respective year of training. Each procedure was time recorded and evaluated based on a modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills. Linear regression was used to analyse the data and express the results as percentages.
Results:
Training exercises were performed in shorter times over the study period. A 9% reduction in the time spent was observed. There was a global improvement in the evaluation made by OSATS score of 6% in the first period (2018-2019) and 58% in the second period (2019-2020).
Conclusion:
The porcine model was both manageable and helpful in providing training despite slight anatomical differences between human beings and pigs. However, more studies are necessary to guarantee that the competencies acquired with this type of training are transferable to real-life interventions.
Level Of Evidence:
Level 5.
