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Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
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Microsurgical training using an ex-vivo model: microscope vs 3D exoscope.
Gabriele Molteni1,2, Michael Ghirelli3, Andrea Sacchetto4
1Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Department, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Summary
This study found that 3D exoscope training for microvascular anastomosis is as effective as the traditional operating microscope (OM). Both methods showed similar objective outcomes and subjective workload for residents in head and neck surgery training.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery Training
- Surgical Technology Evaluation
Background:
- The operating microscope (OM) is the established standard for microsurgical training.
- Advancements in surgical visualization technology, such as 3D exoscopes, warrant evaluation for their training efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the 3D exoscope for microvascular anastomosis training.
- To compare the 3D exoscope's training outcomes against the traditional operating microscope (OM).
Main Methods:
- Otorhinolaryngology head and neck surgery (OHNS) residents performed microvascular end-to-end anastomoses on chicken thighs.
- Trainees utilized both the OM and the VITOM 3D exoscope.
- Performance was evaluated objectively by experienced surgeons, alongside a subjective assessment of workload.
Main Results:
- All participants demonstrated improvement in anastomosis completion time throughout the training.
- No significant differences were observed in the objective quality of the anastomoses between the two tools.
- Subjective workload assessments showed no significant variations between the OM and the 3D exoscope.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to compare the 3D exoscope and OM in microsurgical training.
- The 3D exoscope is demonstrated to be non-inferior to the OM for microvascular anastomosis training.
- The findings support the integration of 3D exoscope technology into surgical education.
