Quality assessment of a new surgical simulator for neuroendoscopic training

Abstract

<jats:sec> <jats:title>Object</jats:title> <jats:p>Ideal surgical training models should be entirely reliable, atoxic, easy to handle, and, if possible, low cost. All available models have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice of one or another will depend on the type of surgery to be performed. The authors created an anatomical model called the S.I.M.O.N.T. (Sinus Model Oto-Rhino Neuro Trainer) Neurosurgical Endotrainer, which can provide reliable neuroendoscopic training. The aim in the present study was to assess both the quality of the model and the development of surgical skills by trainees.</jats:p></jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Methods</jats:title> <jats:p>The S.I.M.O.N.T. is built of a synthetic thermoretractable, thermosensible rubber called Neoderma, which, combined with different polymers, produces more than 30 different formulas. Quality assessment of the model was based on qualitative and quantitative data obtained from training sessions with 9 experienced and 13 inexperienced neurosurgeons. The techniques used for evaluation were face validation, retest and interrater reliability, and construct validation.</jats:p></jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Results</jats:title> <jats:p>The experts considered the S.I.M.O.N.T. capable of reproducing surgical situations as if they were real and presenting great similarity with the human brain. Surgical results of serial training showed that the model could be considered precise. Finally, development and improvement in surgical skills by the trainees were observed and considered relevant to further training. It was also observed that the probability of any single error was dramatically decreased after each training session, with a mean reduction of 41.65% (range 38.7%–45.6%).</jats:p></jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title> <jats:p>Neuroendoscopic training has some specific requirements. A unique set of instruments is required, as is a model that can resemble real-life situations. The S.I.M.O.N.T. is a new alternative model specially designed for this purpose. Validation techniques followed by precision assessments attested to the model's feasibility.</jats:p></jats:sec>

A Perfusion-Based Human Cadaveric Model for Management of Carotid Artery Injury during Endoscopic Endonasal Skull Base Surgery

“…All residents subsequently filled out questionnaires to assess their experience with the learning model. Questionnaires were distributed to trainees (PGY levels [3][4][5] following the educational session in nine instances (Supplemental 1). Trainees rated pre-and postsimulation surgical confidence on a 5-point scale following each session.…”

Ventricular endoscopy in the pediatric population: review of indications

“…Furthermore, neuroendoscopic techniques permit smaller incisions, limit the need for brain retraction, decrease patient discomfort, and improve cosmetic results in pediatric patients [6]. Along with such practice shifts comes the increased emphasis on high-fidelity virtual training, given ventricular endoscopy's steep learning curve [7][8][9][10].…”

Comparison of Intracranial Neuroendoscopic Procedures in Children versus Adults

“…10,11 As experience grows and techniques are refined, complication rates are decreasing and more and more neurosurgeons are enticed by the less-invasive appeal of the neuroendoscope. However, despite these advances and novel initiatives to train growing numbers of surgeons in the proper use of this technique, 12,13 intracranial neuroendoscopy is still seen as a pediatric neurosurgery procedure, even though there are numerous indications in adult patients. We report a large series of neuroendoscopic cases in which the same surgeons performed both adult and pediatric procedures to illustrate the similarities and differences between pediatric and adult patient populations.…”