The University of Iowa has a cadaver lab with support from industry partners equipped with surgical microscopes, endoscopy, and all the necessary surgical instruments to familiarize residents with common skull base approaches and appreciation of neuroanatomical structures and relationships. 

These have included orbitozygomatic, far lateral, interhemispheric, supracerebellar infratentorial, transpetrosal, and expanded endoscopic endonasal approaches in conjunction with our ENT colleagues. 

Additionally, the University of Iowa has a wet lab space in the Centers for Procedural Skills and Simulation that is outfitted with 16 stations with microscopes, drills, and suctions that is available 24/7 to residents.

Learn more about Center for Procedural Skills and Simulation (CPSS)

Dr. Yamaguchi is a faculty neurosurgeon at University of Iowa Health Care who completed his training at Hiroshima University in Japan. He has a specific interest and expertise in spine surgery, serving as the main preceptor for the spine fellowship, with additional interest in microsurgery. He created microscope stations for the resident offices and also developed a curriculum, with an accompanying focused lecture series that is a combination of individual study and in-person teaching sessions.