Surgical Instruments and Preparation of the Specimen

Endoscopic ear surgery is a relatively new technique; as for all the surgical procedures on humans in general, it requires an adequate training of manual skills. These abilities should be improved during cadaveric dissection courses, before starting live surgery approaches. Training on cadaveric specimens during training courses enhances the dexterity of the surgeon and provides experience, which are mandatory for a successful performance during surgical procedures. Because of the limited availability of human cadaveric specimens, due to high costs and local regulations, the animal model represents a suitable, cheap, and reliable alternative. In our opinion, the ovine model is suitable to train and develop surgical skills in an education program for otologic surgeons, because it represents a great opportunity to improve instruments maneuvering and recreate a very similar model for the main steps of endoscopic middle ear surgery, if compared to humans.