Developing a non-cadaveric brain tumour surgery lab in resource-constrained settings

Authors

  • Ahsan Ali Khan Department of Neurosurgery, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Mohammad Hamza Bajwa Department of Neurosurgery, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Fatima Gauhar The Aga Khan Medical College and University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Saqib Kamran Bakhshi Department of Neurosurgery, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Abdul Muqeet Technology Innovation Support Centre, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Saleem Sayani Technology Innovation Support Centre, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
  • Izza Tahir The Aga Khan Medical College and University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Faiza Urooj The Aga Khan Medical College and University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Muhammad Usman Khalid Department of Neurosurgery, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
  • Syed Ather Enam Department of Neurosurgery, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.S3.GNO-02

Abstract

Objective: To develop the country’s first brain tumour surgery lab in resource-constrained settings, for training
young neurosurgeons and residents.
Methods: A workshop was developed using mixed-fidelity models for assessing and training a participant’s
psychomotor skills, hand-eye coordination, and teaching the principles of brain tumour surgery. Affordable noncadaveric
models were used to compare and contrast the benefit of each teaching model. Within the existing space
for wet labs at our institution, 8 different dissection stations were set up with adequate space for 2 people to work
at a time. Each station was equipped with an operating room-Caliber microscope, a lighting system and a camera
linked to a screen and high-powered electric drills and basic surgical equipment.
Results: Our team was able to develop and use 3D-printed skull models and animal brain models for training in
complex approaches and craniotomy.
Conclusion: Surgical simulation training, in a cost-effective manner, provides the benefit of training residents and
students in neurosurgical techniques in a safe, controlled environment leading to improvement in skills and
technique.
Keywords: Neurosurgery, surgical oncology, simulation training, Brain Neoplasms, Craniotomy, Skull

Published

2024-06-09

How to Cite

Ahsan Ali Khan, Mohammad Hamza Bajwa, Fatima Gauhar, Saqib Kamran Bakhshi, Abdul Muqeet, Saleem Sayani, Izza Tahir, Faiza Urooj, Muhammad Usman Khalid, & Syed Ather Enam. (2024). Developing a non-cadaveric brain tumour surgery lab in resource-constrained settings. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 74(3 (Supple), S3-S7. https://doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.S3.GNO-02

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