Preoperative study strategies for anterior cervical spine surgery

Background Many methods of studying have been developed over the past centuries. From studying by candlelight, reading books and papers to using virtual reality goggles – the world has come a long way. Especially in medical fields, studying has evolved into new dimensions, offering students new paths to the same goal – understanding the human body. Among beneficiaries of these developments are not only students and medical scholars. Surgeons and clinical practitioners have used various different studying materials to learn the craft of healing. As accomplished physicians, they do not stop learning once residency is over. On the contrary, learning and developing new methods is part of the daily life of a specialist. Before performing a surgery, every surgeon uses a different and highly personal method of preparation. Some read old surgical reports of their teachers and mentors, some seek guidance in anatomy books and radiologic imaging, some discuss the steps with colleagues. Neuroanatomy is amongst the hardest areas of anatomy to master, especially surgical neuroanatomy. Every surgeon uses their own preparation methods. But what about the young resident, who tries to study alone in preparation for their first surgery of an anatomically challenging pathology? Methods We analyzed studying methods in preparation for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery by offering a 5th year neurosurgical resident multiple different tools to prepare. The resident was asked to come unprepared and was quizzed orally and written on anatomical landmarks as well as vessels and nerves. Afterwards there was a brief lecture given specifically in preparation of ACDF-surgery, using a digital dissection table and plastinated anatomical model of head and neck. The entire surgery procedure was discussed and visualized using the tools with special focus on the digital dissection table. After the lecture, the resident completed another test and questionnaire. The pre- and post-results were compared. Result The resident was given a quiz before and after the lecture using digital studying tools. The number of correct answers after instruction using the digital dissecting table suggests a great benefit of multimedia and virtual reality tools are used, as they allow true surgical anatomy to be simulated repeatedly and without risking patient safety. Conclusion Integration of more than one studying method preoperatively in preparation for surgery, especially in regard of surgical anatomy, is crucial for surgical confidence and outcome. We suggest a broad study conducted among residents of different specialties and levels to evaluate whether real-time interaction tools that provide immersive anatomical insight improve the understanding of complex human anatomy, particularly in surgical practice.