A human cadaveric model for effective instruction of lateral canthotomy and cantholysis

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To evaluate a human cadaveric model in improving knowledge and comfort of ophthalmology residents performing a lateral canthotomy/cantholysis.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted in ophthalmology residents, who participated in a workshop including an interactive lecture followed by hands-on training on a human cadaver. The lecture consisted of the indications and techniques of lateral canthotomy/cantholysis, along with video-demonstration of proper technique. Residents practiced the procedure on cadavers under faculty supervision. Knowledge and comfort level of conducting the procedure was assessed pre- and post-workshop.

Results: Post-workshop, the residents showed a significant improvement in general knowledge regarding the technique of the procedure. Pre-workshop, the average knowledge score was 9 points out of 18 and this improved post-workshop to 12 points out of 18 (p < 0.0001). Residents showed a significant improvement in comfort levels performing the procedure. Using a Likert scale, the average comfort level of performing the procedure rose from 2.5 (Fair) prior to the workshop to 4 (Very Good) post-workshop (p = <0.01). All participants reported an average score of 4.91 (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree) that the human model workshop was clinically applicable to their training and would impact the quality and safety of patient care.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated an increase in knowledge and comfort in performing lateral canthotomy and cantholysis using a cadaver model. With the time-sensitive nature of orbital compartment syndrome, it is imperative that physicians are comfortable in performing this procedure to prevent permanent vision loss.

KEYWORDS:

• Cadaver
• cantholysis
• lateral canthotomy
• ophthalmology workshop
• resident training

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Dr. William Burton for his expertise and guidance with statistical tools for the study. Most importantly, the authors acknowledge and gratefully thank the individuals whose bodies were used in this study for the advancement of medical education and patient care.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Authors‘ contributions

PM and AB created the workshop curriculum. AB instructed the residents through lecture-based and hands-on instruction during the workshop. SP administered the survey and analyzed the data. All authors wrote and reviewed the final manuscript.

Availability of data and material

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Verbal consent was obtained from all medical residents participating in the workshop, as approved by our Institutional Review Board.

Supplementary materials

Supplemental materials data can be accessed here