title: Microsurgical training model for residents to approach to the orbit and the optic nerve in fresh cadaveric sheep cranium.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Neurosurgery and ophthalmology residents need many years to improve microsurgical skills. Laboratory training models are very important for developing surgical skills before clinical application of microsurgery. A simple simulation model is needed for residents to learn how to handle microsurgical instruments and to perform safe dissection of intracranial or intraorbital nerves, vessels, and other structures.
  
  
  METHODS
  The simulation material consists of a one-year-old fresh cadaveric sheep cranium. Two parts (Part 1 and Part 2) were designed to approach structures of the orbit. Part 1 consisted of a 2-step approach to dissect intraorbital structures, and Part 2 consisted of a 3-step approach to dissect the optic nerve intracranially.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The model simulates standard microsurgical techniques using a variety of approaches to structures in and around the orbit and the optic nerve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This laboratory training model enables trainees to gain experience with an operating microscope, microsurgical instruments and orbital structures.
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Taksim Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: M Emre
authors: ME
authors: Altunrende
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Mustafa Kemal
authors: MK
authors: Hamamcioglu
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.
authors: Tufan
authors: T
authors: Hıcdonmez
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Taksim Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Mehmet Osman
authors: MO
authors: Akcakaya
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Uzunköprü Government Hospital, Edirne, Turkey.
authors: Barıs
authors: B
authors: Bırgılı
authors: Department of Neurosurgery, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey.
authors: Sebahattin
authors: S
authors: Cobanoglu
keywords: Microneurosurgery; microsurgery; microsurgical training; optic nerve; orbita surgery