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Remote Training of Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery With Advanced Manufactured 3D Sinus Models and a Telemedicine
Masanobu Suzuki1,2, Erich Vyskocil1, Kazuhiro Ogi1
1Department of Surgery-Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Central Adelaide Local Health Network and the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Frontiers in Surgery
|October 18, 2021
Summary
This study demonstrates a novel remote Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) training using 3D-printed models and telemedicine. The innovative approach significantly improved surgical training outcomes, proving effective when in-person courses are not feasible.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Traditional cadaveric courses for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) training are crucial but were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Restrictions included travel limitations, social distancing, and infection risks, necessitating alternative training methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and educational impact of the world's first remote FESS training course.
- The course utilized novel 3D-printed sinus models and encrypted telemedicine software.
Main Methods:
- Three otolaryngologists in Japan trained remotely under supervision from rhinologists in Australia.
- Training involved 3D-printed sinus models based on CT scans of chronic rhinosinusitis patients.
- Telemedicine platforms (Zoom, Quintree) facilitated real-time lectures, supervision, and dissection planning.
Main Results:
- All participants successfully completed frontal sinusotomies.
- Significant reduction in time to identify the frontal sinus drainage pathway (FSDP) (p=0.02).
- Improved volume of FSDP identified (p=0.014), with high perceived benefits by dissectors (95.47%) and audience (89.24%).
Conclusions:
- Remote surgical training combining telemedicine, web-conferencing, and standardized 3D models is highly effective.
- This approach offers excellent training outcomes, especially when traditional surgical workshops are not possible.
- The study highlights a viable alternative for surgical education in challenging circumstances.
