Everything but the squeal: a guide for head and neck surgery training on the live porcine model

Abstract

Purpose: The porcine model has been demonstrated to be cost-effective for head and neck surgery training. There is no literature describing the porcine head and neck anatomy. The purpose of this study is to provide a porcine surgical guide for training head and neck residents. Methods: Five head and neck dissections were performed under general anesthesia on the Large White pig model in the animal facilities of the University Hospital Fundación Jiménez. Sessions were photographed, and reference anatomical measurements were taken. Results: The sternum–chin distance (x = 15.80 cm, σ = 0.44), chin–chin distance (x = 11.10 cm, σ = 2.30), prelaryngeal musculature length (x = 10.30 cm, σ = 1.92) and supraomohyoid triangle area (x = 7.07 cm2, σ = 3.91) were among the measurements obtained. The porcine head and neck anatomy was detailed. Conclusions: Head and neck porcine anatomy was thoroughly described, with emphasis on the similarities with human anatomy. The porcine model is capable of simulating human anatomy for surgery training.