Pig eye trabeculectomy—a wet-lab teaching model

Abstract

Purpose A teaching model for trabeculectomy is described using pig eyes prepared in formalin. Method The model enables trainee surgeons to practice various aspects of tissue handling required for successful trabeculectomy including the construction of a fornix-based conjunctival flap, scleral flap with buried releasable sutures, and water-tight conjunctival closure. Results Exposure to the necessary skills required to perform trabeculectomy surgery can be improved by the use of wet laboratory practice. Conclusions Trabeculectomy surgery experience is becoming more limited as fewer procedures are being performed due to the efficacy of recent medications. Wet laboratories will become an increasingly important aspect of a comprehensive ophthalmology training programme.

Trabeculectomy: a training dilemma

“…In order to acquire skills, wetlab training on artificial or animal eyes may become a mandatory part of the curriculum. Lee et al 8 have developed a teaching model using pig eyes prepared in formalin which enables trainee surgeons to practice the various aspects of tissue handling required for successful surgery. Unless adequate experience is obtained during their general ophthalmic training, then trabeculectomy will become Trabeculectomythe realm of subspecialists with glaucoma fellowship training.…”

Indentation and needle insertion properties of the human eye

“…7,8 It is composed of 78% water, 15% collagen, and 5% other proteins. It has a surface area of about 1.3 cm 2 , or 15% of the total eyeball surface. Five distinct layers make up the cornea: the corneal epithelium, Bowman's membrane, stroma, Descemet's membrane, and endothelium.…”

“…Both are biodegradable and pose hygienic/biohazard risks. 1,2 Plastic models have poor tissue-mimicking capability. 3 Computer-simulated virtual-reality models are expensive, include large hardware, and provide an artificial operating experience.…”

Sheep practice eye for ophthalmic surgery training in skills laboratory

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Animal models are believed to be the optimal choice as they simulate live surgery well for many trainees. 15 Ophthalmic training with practice animal eyes gives the trainee the sense of touch and haptic feedback, which is experienced through tissue interaction in actual surgery and is not provided by virtual reality simulators.…”