Novel mouse model for simulating microsurgical tumor excision with facial nerve preservation

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel, reliable and cost-effective mouse model for simulating tumor extirpation microsurgery with preservation of important neural structures. OHNS trainees have found this simulation model to be realistic, useful, and appropriately challenging.

Thinking Beyond the Temporal Bone Lab: A Systematic Process for Expanding Surgical Simulation in Otolaryngology Training

“…Head & neck surgical simulators (Supplemental Table 4) included 3 models intended for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) training using the DaVinci robotic surgery system, a murine model of microsurgical parotid tumor excision, a microvascular anastomosis model, an ovine parotid surgery and facial nerve dissection model, and 2 laryngectomy models. [75][76][77][78][79][80][81][82] Notable for its ease of implementation, the microvascular anastomosis model used chicken thighs acquired from grocery stores to allow residents to practice anastomosing the ischiatic artery. 76 The murine parotid tumor model required trainees to excise the tumor with preservation of the facial nerve using a high-magnification dissection microscope, which was found to be a useful, realistic, and appropriately challenging exercise.…”

“…76 The murine parotid tumor model required trainees to excise the tumor with preservation of the facial nerve using a high-magnification dissection microscope, which was found to be a useful, realistic, and appropriately challenging exercise. 75 Craniofacial procedure simulation was more limited, 83,84 where a validation study by Yang et al, represents a high-fidelity 3D printed silicone facial flap simulator to be a useful, realistic, and effective training tool compared to drawing the repair of a facial defect in two dimensions. 83…”