Clinical Study
Eye (2006) 20, 32–37. doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6701784; published online 28 January 2005
Pig eye trabeculectomy—a wet-lab teaching model
The authors have no financial or propriety interest in any material or method mentioned
Presented in part at the European Glaucoma Society Meeting in Florence, Italy, 2004
G A Lee1,2, M Y-M Chiang2 and P Shah3
- 1City Eye Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- 2University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- 3Birmingham and Midland Eye Centre, Birmingham, UK
Correspondence: GA Lee, City Eye Centre, 10/135 Wickham Tce, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia. Tel: 61738316888; Fax: 61738316883; E-mail: eye@cityeye.com.qu
Received 10 August 2004; Accepted 21 October 2004; Published online 28 January 2005.
Abstract
Purpose
A teaching model for trabeculectomy is described using pig eyes prepared in formalin.
Method
The model enables trainee surgeons to practice various aspects of tissue handling required for successful trabeculectomy including the construction of a fornix-based conjunctival flap, scleral flap with buried releasable sutures, and water-tight conjunctival closure.
Results
Exposure to the necessary skills required to perform trabeculectomy surgery can be improved by the use of wet laboratory practice.
Conclusions
Trabeculectomy surgery experience is becoming more limited as fewer procedures are being performed due to the efficacy of recent medications. Wet laboratories will become an increasingly important aspect of a comprehensive ophthalmology training programme.
Keywords:
glaucoma surgery, trabeculectomy, resident training
