Defining the Learning Curve for Endoscopic Ear Skills Using a Modular Trainer: A Multi-Institutional Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Endoscopic ear surgery requires specialized skills.
• Objective quantification of the learning curve for endoscopic ear procedures is needed.
• Simulation offers a controlled environment for surgical skill acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the learning curve for endoscopic ear skills in otolaryngology residents using a simulator.
• To determine if demographic factors or prior endoscopic experience influence skill development.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, multicenter study involving otolaryngology residents.
• Participants completed 10 trials on a validated endoscopic ear skill simulator.
• Completion times and rate of improvement were the main outcome measures.

Main Results:

• Thirty-eight residents participated; completion times improved with trial number.
• Previous otoendoscopy and sinus endoscopy experience correlated with lower trial times.
• Residents without prior experience showed a faster improvement rate (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Self-directed simulation training enables novice surgeons to gain basic endoscopic ear skills.
• The learning curve for transcanal endoscopic ear surgery is comparable to other otologic surgeries.
• Prior endoscopic sinus experience may have translational value for learning endoscopic ear surgery.