A cost-effective porcine training model for thermal ablation of thyroid nodules and subsequent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND

Preclinical training is essential for thermal ablation (TA) of thyroid nodules; however, there is a lack of optimal simulators. We aimed to create a training model for TA using live pigs, followed by neck surgery.

METHODS

We recruited trainees from across China to participate in a workshop that included TA practice and subsequent transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy. The operative performance of trainees and any complications were documented. Following the workshop, participants completed online questionnaires using a 1-5 Likert Scale to evaluate their subjective experiences. The costs associated with the training were meticulously calculated.

RESULTS

Five pigs were utilized for the workshop. Eighteen trainees and six mentors from seventeen institutions participated in the study. Seventeen trainees (94.4%; 95% CI, 74.2-99.0) successfully visualized the needle tips within the thyroid gland, while one was unsuccessful. Two trainees (11.1%; 95% CI, 2.0-30.8) experienced trachea injury during the subsequent thyroidectomy assessment. No cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury were reported, as evaluated by neuromonitoring. Participants rated their operational experience with a score of 3.33 ± 1.05 compared to human procedures. Excluding labor costs, the average expense for each trainee for TA training was 50.4 ± 4.0 euros.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a cost-effective porcine training model for TA followed by neck surgery. The model provided a realistic simulation of human procedures and enabled immediate assessment of structural injuries, demonstrating its potential for use in TA training prior to human procedures.