UK Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Trainee Perceptions of Flexible Nasal Endoscopy

Flexible nasal endoscopy (FNE) is a useful adjunct in diagnosis and follow-up of oncology patients as well as in airway assessment. Proficiency in this technique is also listed as part of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) curriculum. We aimed to explore OMFS trainee perceptions of training and confidence in this technique.

An electronic survey was undertaken of OMFS higher surgical trainees in the UK. A 10-item questionnaire was formulated using online survey software (SurveyMonkey) and distributed to Specialty Registrars in all deaneries via their regional representatives. Questions on training, exposure to and confidence in FNE were asked.

A total of 43 responses were received which included all grades of higher surgical trainees. A large proportion had undertaken FNE in oncology rotations (78.6%) and as part of airway assessment (85.6%). Nearly half of trainees (47.6%) were confident in diagnosing pathology using FNE although 16.6% had low levels of confidence in the technique. Only 38% had received formal training, and the majority of this training was a teaching session from a senior. A very large proportion of trainees (90.5%) feel formal training should be available in FNE and 76% would undertake a formal OMFS training course in FNE if available.

Trainees have high levels of exposure to FNE but variable levels of confidence in the technique. Trainees appear to receive limited formal training in the technique, and the introduction of more formalised training could be explored.