Abstract

Study design – Observational study.
Purpose – Assess utility of pig head model as an oculoplastic surgical training tool.
Methods – Fresh pig head was availed for a surgical workshop for entropion correction, eyelid margin repair and evisceration. Postworkshop a standard questionnaire was administered to trainees to assess skill improvement and surgical understanding.
Results – 84.6% participants noted tissue manoeuvring was similar to the human eye while performing surgical steps. 92.3% of the participants were able to perform the lid margin and sub-tarsal dissection. While performing lid tear repair, 92.3% were able to identify the eyelid anatomy correctly. 84.7% of the participants were able to place an implant in the scleral shell or intraconal space. 92.3% participants reported better understanding, development of skill and additional confidence after training.
Conclusion – Porcine orbital dissection is an available, affordable and useful tool for oculoplastic surgical training.

Full Text