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Setting up a microneurosurgical skull base lab: technical and operational considerations

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Abstract

Microneurosurgical cadaveric dissections have become popular due to their usefulness in obtaining a working knowledge of the microneurosurgical anatomy in a controlled environment. This same controlled environment is also conducive to experiment with new surgical approaches. These factors have increased the number of microneurosurgical anatomic laboratories. Despite the increase in microneurosurgical laboratories, there is very little literature regarding the logistics of starting and maintaining a new neurosurgical laboratory. The aim of this paper is to provide a general road map and basic guidelines in starting and running a microneurosurgical dissection laboratory. The information in this paper is based on a review of the literature and on the experience we gained in organizing and managing the Dardinger Microneurosurgical Skull Base Laboratory at The Ohio State University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University Medical Center, 032 Hamilton Hall 1645 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Asem Salma, Andrew Chow & Mario Ammirati

Authors
  1. Asem Salma
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  2. Andrew Chow
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  3. Mario Ammirati
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Correspondence to Asem Salma.

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Comments

Peter A. Winkler, Munich, Germany

Salma et al. have described in this paper the fundamental requirements of a microneurosurgical skull base laboratory. The authors have to be recommended for their contribution of some tips and tricks for starting a microneurosurgical cadaver lab.

I personally prefer the term “Laboratory for Neurosurgical Microanatomy©” to underline a new quality of an anatomical laboratory focused on neuroanatomy under an operating microscope and endoscope. The exchange of formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde with ethanol, for example, is of crucial importance to eliminate the toxicity of formaldehyde and to arrest further hardening of the brain tissue.

Although the information presented in this paper may be well-known to the neurosurgeons who have long time working experience in anatomical labs, the information offered by this article may be practical to the wider neurosurgical community. As the authors stressed in their introduction, a large number of neurosurgeons do not have such experience and wish to get involved in such an educational and scientific project.

This article undoubtedly adds to our body of knowledge regarding the project of setting up a microneurosurgical skull base lab.

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Salma, A., Chow, A. & Ammirati, M. Setting up a microneurosurgical skull base lab: technical and operational considerations. Neurosurg Rev 34, 317–326 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143-011-0317-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10143-011-0317-6

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