Training in Endoscopic Ear Surgery: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Education
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES) is gaining popularity.
• There is a lack of evidence-based guidance for training in EES.
• This review addresses the need for structured training protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate training methods for EES.
• To identify optimal introductory procedures for EES.
• To assess learning curves and competency determination in EES.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA guidelines.
• Searches were performed on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases.
• Twenty-eight studies reporting on EES training were included and qualitatively assessed.

Main Results:

• Surgical simulation was the most common training method (11 studies).
• Tympanoplasty was the most recommended introductory procedure (5 studies).
• Existing methods for assessing EES learning curves are heterogeneous, often relying on surgical times; a robust definition of competency is lacking.

Conclusions:

• Surgical simulation shows promise as an EES training methodology.
• Objective data is needed to define optimal introductory procedures and competency assessments for EES.
• Further research is required to standardize EES training and evaluation.