Temporal Bone Dissection Course: Assessing Otorhinolaryngological Residents Skills in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Temporal bone dissection is an acceptable method of developing the necessary skills required to successfully carry out surgical procedures on the temporal bones. It is the gold standard for the acquisition of otological/neuro-otological skills among otorhinolaryngological residents training globally. Very few graduate schools in Nigeria have the facilities and expertise to train graduate doctors in temporal bone dissection. The West African College of Surgeons Faculty of Otorhinolaryngology collaborated with Jos University Teaching Hospital in conjunction with Professor Jack Van Doren Hough Temporal Bone Dissection Laboratory to provide this temporal bone dissection course. Aim: The aim of this study was to develop the basic skills and dexterity necessary for otological/neuro-otological surgeries through temporal bone dissection. Participants and Methods: Twenty-three course participants who are trainees with the West African College of Surgeons Otorhinolaryngology Specialties registered for this course, out of which all of the 23 participants presented for the course from various teaching hospitals across the country. Results: Fourteen participants (60.9%) had no prior experience with temporal bone dissection, while 9 (39.1) had previous dissection experience. Twelve participants (52.2%) successfully mounted their temporal bones on the House–Urban temporal bone holder with two attempts, 5 (21.7%) mounted it on the 1 st and 3 rd attempts, respectively, while 1 (4.3%) mounted it on the 4 th attempt. Conclusion: Temporal bone dissection with standard equipment in a setting akin to the operating room helps otorhinolaryngology residents to learn the anatomy of the temporal bone.