Postmortem inspection for neurosurgery: a training model for endoscopic dissection technique

In 63 specimens, 74 aneurysms, and five other lesions, postmortem microsurgical and endoscopic inspection (PMI) was done. This work not only allowed for safe pathoanatomic findings, but moreover showed characteristics of a training method developed according to a model with clear standards. PMI gives training in: 1. Understanding of pathoanatomic topography and syntopy. 2. Analysis of imaging findings. 3. Analysis of approaches (approach planning). 4. Paraendoscopic methods (video surgery). 5. Clipping training. 6. Analyzing the ergonomy of the setting and instrumentation. In the series presented, aneurysms were the focus of attention. Postmortem inspection trains nearly all manipulative and cognitive abilities necessary for operative management of this difficult lesion. The acceptance and applicability of this method for resident training must be evaluated in the future.