The role of simulation in teaching sinus surgery in otolaryngology residency: A survey of rhinologists

BACKGROUND: Simulation is currently recognized as an effective surgical training tool. However, no standardized curriculum exists for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) simulation training. The goal of this study was to obtain an understanding of current ESS simulation use to aid the future development of an ESS training curriculum. METHODS: A 14-question survey regarding sinus simulation in residency training was developed through the education committee of the American Rhinologic Society. The survey was administered to academic American Rhinologic Society members in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The participants provided information regarding the type, amount, and effectiveness of simulation use in their residency program. RESULTS: Responses were received from 67 training programs; 45% of the programs endorsed using simulation training, although only 23.9% used ESS simulation, and all the programs used cadavers. Only 12.5% of respondent programs required ESS simulation training before operating on live patients, and trainees had an average of <6 hours of simulation training before live operations. A majority of respondents observed subjective improvement in residents' endoscope handling, dexterity, and understanding of anatomy after ESS simulation. The greatest obstacles identified were associated cost and lack of realistic simulators. CONCLUSION: A majority of responders observed improved surgical technique and knowledge in residents after simulation training. However, <25% of the survey responders used ESS simulation and cited cost and limited availability as the most common barriers. A curriculum of validated simulators has potential to improve the quality of ESS training during residency.