Development and Validation of a Modular Endoscopic Ear Surgery Skills Trainer

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Education
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) is an emerging surgical technique.
• Current training options for EES are limited, posing challenges for developing necessary fine motor skills.
• Limited depth perception and single-handed dissection in EES require specialized training methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a versatile, low-cost surgical skills trainer for endoscopic ear surgery (EES).
• To assess the trainer's effectiveness in improving fine motor control required for EES.
• To provide a practical tool for deliberate practice in otologic surgery training.

Main Methods:

• A low-cost, modular surgical skills trainer was constructed using readily available materials (PVC pipe cap, wooden platform, wire brads, glass beads, jewelry wire).
• The trainer featured eight interchangeable skills modules designed to simulate EES tasks.
• Seven participants (novices to experts) completed skills modules in triplicate, followed by a Likert-based survey.

Main Results:

• Experts significantly outperformed novices on all eight skills modules (p < 0.001 for bead threading, p = 0.01 for prosthesis placement).
• Participants reported high satisfaction, with 86% agreeing on trainer accuracy and 100% satisfied with the experience.
• The trainer's material cost was approximately $15, highlighting its affordability.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-cost modular task trainer addresses a critical need in otologic surgical education.
• It offers a platform for efficient, deliberate practice of validated exercises to enhance fine motor control for EES.
• This trainer has the potential to improve surgical proficiency and patient outcomes in endoscopic ear surgery.