Using Eggshell Membrane in the Fresh Cadaveric Cow Brain for Brain Protection
Abstract
The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate
the use of eggshell membrane in the protection
of brain tissue from the harmful mechanical effect of
metallic microsurgical instruments during neurosur-
gical interventions. Methods: Thirty uncovered fresh
cadaveric cow brains were equally divided into two
groups: group with eggshell membrane group (Group
I) and without eggshell membrane group (Group II).
In Group I, eggshell membrane was sprawled over
the left lateral side of the interhemispheric sulcus of
the anterior brain surface. The mechanical traumat-
ic effects of the metallic surgical instruments were
divided into three groups: minor, moderate and se-
vere. Results: In Group I (n=15), the number of minor
injured brains was found to be 12 (80%). In Group
II (n=15), the number of minor injured brains was
found to be 5 (33.33%). On the contrary, the number
of moderately injured brains parenchyma in Group I
cow brains was estimated to be 2 (13.33%). However,
the number of moderately injured brains in Group II
was found to be 9 (60%). The number of severe injury
was found to be 1 (6.67%) in Group II. The number of
same injury was also found to be 1 (6.67%) in Group
I. Conclusion: This study showed that protecting the
naked brain tissue from the mechanical injury effect
of metallic microsurgical instruments with covering
of eggshell membrane is feasible. It is believed that
this material might contribute to the practical micro-
neurosurgery in protecting the brain tissue.
Introduction: Micro neurosurgical operations re-
quire different metallic instruments during the sur-
gical treatment of pathologic lesion located within
the brain tissue. The protection of the neurovascu-
lar structure of the brain is an extremely important
and critical point in all kinds of micro neurosurgical
interventions. Theoretical and practical trained mi-
cro neurosurgical ability is not sufficient in protect-
ing the brain parenchyma from the mechanical inju-
ry of the metallic microsurgical instruments during
the surgical intervention to the brain tissue. Specific
micro neurosurgical techniques such as proper use
of the operating microscope, holding and grasping
of the micro neurosurgical instruments, proper mi-
crosurgical techniques for the opening of the arach-
noid membranes, safe and delicate neurovascular
dissection, and carefully and properly micro drilling
of the cranial base bones should be learned before
performing an operation [1-4].
Theoretical knowledge, practical techniques, and
microsurgical operative disciplines for protecting
delicate brain and related structures located within
the cranium are mainly provided during the residen-
cy years of neurosurgical education [1,2]. Spending
of time in experimental microsurgical laboratory to
practice some kinds of microsurgical models such
as dissection and suturing of the rat external carot-
id artery, dissection and evaluation of the abdom-
inal vena cava of rats, suturing of the plastic glove
materials by using micro forceps under the operat-
ing microscope, drilling and dissection of the some
cadaveric bone materials are essential improving
and gaining of advanced microneurosurgical practi-
cal techniques [1,2,4]. Metallic surgical instruments
may mechanically injure the delicate brain parenchy-
ma and related structures such as cranial nerves and
vascular structures in the microneurosurgical oper-
ations. Some specific materials may be used in the
protection of brain tissue from the harmful effect of
metallic instruments. The aim of this experimental
