An Affordable Neurosurgical Training System for Neurosurgical Residents; The Indian Perspective.

[CONTEXT] Neurosurgical training in India.

[AIMS] To establish a sustainable, functional, and relatively inexpensive neurosurgical training system.

[METHODS AND MATERIALS] The training system involved using a relatively inexpensive stereoscopic microscope and ophthalmological microinstruments , including two jewellers' forceps and a microscissors. Training modules were designed using commonly available materials such as gauze, latex gloves, and chicken wings.

[STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED] None.

[RESULTS] The system proved to be easy to construct, easy-to-use, and highly compact. This system allowed for residents to practice microsuturing and vessel anastomosis and allows the resident to be familiarized with operating under the microscope. Thereby , developing the hand-eye coordination and precise motor control required for neurosurgery as well as the art of appropriate tissue handling.

[CONCLUSIONS] The inexpensive nature of this training system and its inherent simplicity allows for a larger portion of neurosurgical residents in India, without access to sophisticated skills labs, to practice their skills in a controlled environment, without compromising on their ward duties.