Otolaryngology residents' perceptions of endoscopic ear surgery during surgical training

The introduction of endoscopic ear surgery has implications for the training of otolaryngology residents.

To report on the status of endoscopic ear surgery and assess the effects of this new technology on otolaryngology training in Singapore, from the residents' perspective.

An anonymous survey was conducted amongst all Singaporean otolaryngology residents. Residents' exposure to, and perceptions of, endoscopic ear surgery were assessed.

Residents from institutions that practise endoscopic ear surgery were more positive regarding its efficacy in various otological surgical procedures. Of residents in programmes with exposure to endoscopic ear surgery, 82.4 per cent felt that its introduction had adversely affected their training, with 88.3 per cent of residents agreeing that faculty members' learning of endoscopic ear surgery had decreased their hands-on surgical load. Both groups expressed desire for more experience with endoscopy.

The majority of residents view endoscopic ear surgery as an expanding field with a potentially negative impact on their training. Mitigating measures should be implemented to minimise its negative impact on residents' training.