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

Objective: To develop the country’s first brain tumour surgery lab in resource-constrained settings, for trainingyoung neurosurgeons and residents.Methods: A workshop was developed using mixed-fidelity models for assessing and training a participant’spsychomotor skills, hand-eye coordination, and teaching the principles of brain tumour surgery. Affordable noncadavericmodels were used to compare and contrast the benefit of each teaching model. Within the existing spacefor wet labs at our institution, 8 different dissection stations were set up with adequate space for 2 people to workat a time. Each station was equipped with an operating room-Caliber microscope, a lighting system and a cameralinked 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 incomplex approaches and craniotomy.Conclusion: Surgical simulation training, in a cost-effective manner, provides the benefit of training residents andstudents in neurosurgical techniques in a safe, controlled environment leading to improvement in skills andtechnique.