The effect of self-directed virtual reality simulation on dissection training performance in mastoidectomy

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Cadaveric dissection is a cornerstone of surgical training.
• Limited access to cadavers and ethical considerations necessitate innovative training methods.
• Virtual reality (VR) simulation offers a potential alternative or supplement to traditional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of self-directed VR simulation training on mastoidectomy performance.
• To assess the transferability of skills acquired in VR to cadaveric dissection.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 40 novice otorhinolaryngology residents.
• Two groups: VR simulation before cadaveric dissection, and vice versa.
• Performance assessed via blinded expert rating of final-product analysis in both settings.

Main Results:

• The group with prior VR training showed a 52% increase in cadaveric dissection performance (mean score 14.9 vs. 9.8).
• This improvement was statistically significant (P < 0.0001).
• One cadaveric mastoidectomy did not significantly improve VR simulation performance (P = 0.22).

Conclusions:

• Two hours of VR simulation training effectively enhances cadaveric mastoidectomy performance.
• Mastoidectomy skills are transferable from VR simulation to cadaveric settings.
• VR simulation can optimize surgical training, conserve resources, and build basic competencies.