What is the role of surgical simulation on operative opportunity for the trainee ENT surgeon?

Abstract

Objective This study sought to assess the impact of simulation training in influencing trainees’ initial surgical participation as perceived by experienced surgeon trainers. Methods Twenty ENT surgeons assessed how much of a given procedure they would expect to allow a trainee to perform for their first time. Responses were provided for trainees who had undergone a relevant simulation course and those who had not, and scored according to the eLogbook levels of involvement in surgery. This was completed for simulated procedures with validated models, across four grades of junior doctors. Results A total of 1120 judgements on the trainees’ intended level of involvement were made. The median involvement score was higher in the simulation group versus the non-simulation group (Mann–Whitney U, p = 0.0001), corresponding to a translation in surgical opportunity from a primarily assisting role to an active role. Conclusion Trainer perception of a relevant ENT simulation course appears to positively impact on the initial surgical opportunities afforded to the trainee.

SimLife®: A New Dynamic Model for Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Simulation

“…A score range of [1][2][3][4] was considered as poor realism; [4][5][6][7] was moderate realism; and [7][8][9][10] as high realism.…”

“…7,8 For head and neck surgical oncology, the dissection models currently in use are essentially based on human cadavers in anatomy laboratories. 9,10 Although they allow identification of the main vasculonervous neck structures, they are limited by an absence of vascular turgidity and the absence of intraoperative bleeding. 11 The SimLife® model consists in a human cadaver dynamized by pulsatile vascularization and warmed blood enabling greater realism and more relevant dissections.…”

“…Mastery of surgical skills require repetitive training of basic skills and training on high‐fidelity simulators 7,8 . For head and neck surgical oncology, the dissection models currently in use are essentially based on human cadavers in anatomy laboratories 9,10 . Although they allow identification of the main vasculonervous neck structures, they are limited by an absence of vascular turgidity and the absence of intraoperative bleeding 11 …”