To create a simple simulated tonsil-tying model to help trainees gain surgical skills during limited training opportunities.

A tonsil-tying trainer was constructed using basic hospital items that are easily attainable in a basic hospital setting. Feedback was obtained from consultants, registrars and senior house officers.

A simple, low-cost and effective low-fidelity model for deep knot tying in tonsillectomy is presented. The model is modifiable for the progressing trainee and allows a degree of objective feedback with the potential for subjective feedback from a trainer. The model is easy to prepare using typical basic hospital ward equipment.

This model provides practice of placing a Boyle–Davis gag, and the use of tools and a head light. It is adjustable for tonsil-tying practice at a variety of depths with different vessel sizes and conditions (e.g. bleeding). Lastly, basic objective feedback without significant technical challenges is possible.

To develop an ovine model for teaching suspension laryngoscopy and phonosurgery.

The head and neck from 10 pre-pubescent sheep were harvested following humane euthanasia at the end of an in vivo protocol. No live animals were used in this study. The tissues were saline-perfused and refrigerated for 1–5 days. Suspension laryngoscopy was performed using adolescent Parsons and adult Kantor-Berci laryngoscopes suspended with a Benjamin-Parsons laryngoscope holder. Visualisation was achieved with 0° and 30° telescopes, and a three-chip camera and video system. Shapshay-Ossoff microlaryngeal instruments were used for endolaryngeal dissection.

Experienced laryngologists led a second year medical student through several procedures including injection laryngoplasty, hydrodissection and incision, endolaryngeal suturing, and partial cordectomy. Despite expected anatomical differences, the model proved highly realistic for suspension microlaryngoscopy.

The sheep head and neck model provides an inexpensive, safe model for developing skills in suspension laryngoscopy and basic phonosurgery.