Validation of a Chicken Wing Training Model for Endoscopic Microsurgical Dissection as Shown by Cadaver Procedure

Objective: To determine if training with a chicken wing model improves performance of endoscopic endonasal surgery with microvascular dissection. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Medical students (MS), residents, and fellows (RF) were randomized into two groups: a control group that performed an endoscopic transantral internal maxillary artery dissection on anatomical specimen, and an interventional group that underwent microvascular dissection training on a chicken wing model before performing the anatomic dissection. The MS were divided randomly; the RF was matched based on previous endoscopic experience. Time to completion and quality of dissection using the Modified Global Rating Scale of Operative Performance were measured. Results: Average MS and RF time versus control scores were 41.14 and 26.44 minutes versus 74.40 and 45.31 minutes, respectively. Average MS and RF quality of intervention scores were 30.6 and 34.60 versus 24.00 and 13.60. Mann-Whitney U tests were significant for time and quality for MS (p = 0.032, 0.008), and RF, (p = 0.016, 0.032). Conclusions: The chicken wing model improves surgical performance in a surrogate model for actual endoscopic endonasal surgery. It is a cost-effective alternative to expensive human specimen materials and may improve operating efficiency.