Cadaveric animal dissection in endoscopic ear surgery training: a proposed assessment questionnaire

Abstract Introduction Using a cadaveric animal dissection model in training for endoscopic ear surgery procedures is getting popular. This study presents an evaluation questionnaire to demonstrate the results of cadaveric sheep training in providing adequate experience for endoscopic ear surgeons. Patients and Methods From January 2022 to June 2024, 40 sheep heads were operated on by different junior surgeons to perform tympanoplasty and stapedectomy. The proposed questionnaire was filled by the participants before and after dissection, then the collected results were analysed to assess reliability of the animal dissection model. Results There was a significant improvement of the learning skills of the participants in identification of the middle ear anatomical landmarks. For both tympanoplasty and stapedectomy procedures, animal dissection had a significantly positive impact on the performance of the participants at all dissection steps. There was also improvement in the total assessment score with the global rating meeting the expectations of the trained surgeons. Conclusion The proposed questionnaire is reliable and can be easily applied and used as an assessment model for evaluation of training experience after animal dissection courses.