Lamb Head as a Training Model for Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty

Abstract

Background: Septoplasty and rhinoplasty are difficult operations to learn and teach. Many modalities have been proposed to make the teaching process of these operations easier. In this study, it was investigated if lamb heads were good training models to teach septoplasty and rhinoplasty to trainees or experienced surgeons. Methods: In the first part of the study, 21 lamb heads were dissected according to a dissection protocol and several anatomical distances were measured in order to compare them with human cadavers. In the second project 8 lamb heads were dissected and different preservation rhinoplasty techniques were practiced. Results: The study on 21 lamb heads used showed that the lateral crura were 17.8 x 11.6, average interdomal distance was 8.1 mm, average domal width was 3.7 mm. The average length of the upper lateral cartilages was 31.1 mm laterally and 21.2 medially. The average length of the nasal bones was 63.9 mm and the width was 16 mm. In the second part of the study 8 lamb heads were used to experience where high strip techniques were used in 5 and Cottle technique in 3. Conclusion: This study revealed that lamb head should be considered as an excellent training model for septoplasty and rhinoplasty. Its very low cost, ease of availability, and close similarity to the human cadavers can be counted as the main advantages. This study also proved that it was not only a tool for beginners, but also a very helpful tool for experienced surgeons to try new methods.

Biomechanics of Septal L-Strut on Lamb Head Models

“…They also added that it was not only a tool for beginners, but also a very helpful tool for experienced surgeons to try new surgical methods. 18 In this study, a significant decrease in the septal resistance was observed after one-sided elevation of the mucoperichondrium except for the key area and middle vault. The elevation of the left side was performed after resection of the nasal septum which showed no effect on the septal resistance significantly.…”

Effect of Dorsal Preservation Techniques on Septum Strength: An Experimental Animal Study

“…strut biodynamics in previous studies, stating that it is not only a tool for beginners, but also a very useful tool for experienced surgeons on which to try new surgical methods 14,22 .…”

“…Apaydın et al supported the use of lamb heads as training models for septoplasty and rhinoplasty due to their low cost, easy accessibility, and close resemblance to human cadavers. Furthermore, lamb heads have been used in endoscopic sinus surgery, DSR and osteotomy models in literature, and all studies emphasize its usefulness especially for resident training [21][22][23][24][25] .…”

“…The senior author has assessed lamb head rhinoplasty dissection models and L-strut biodynamics in previous studies, stating that it is not only a tool for beginners but also a very useful tool for experienced surgeons to try new surgical methods. 14,19 Apaydın et al supported the use of lamb heads as training models for septoplasty and rhinoplasty due to their low cost, easy accessibility, and close resemblance to human cadavers. Furthermore, lamb heads have been used in endoscopic sinus surgery, dacryocystorhinostomy, and osteotomy models in the literature, and all studies emphasized its usefulness, especially for resident training.…”

“…Furthermore, lamb heads have been used in endoscopic sinus surgery, dacryocystorhinostomy, and osteotomy models in the literature, and all studies emphasized its usefulness, especially for resident training. [19][20][21][22][23]…”