Temperature and luminosity outputs of endoscopes used in transcanal endoscopic ear surgery: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between endoscope temperatures and luminosity with a variety of light source types, endoscope ages, endoscope sizes, angles and operative distance in transcanal endoscopic ear surgery. METHODS: Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery was simulated in an operating theatre using 7 mm plastic suction tubing coated in insulating tape. An ATP ET-959 thermometer was used to record temperatures, and a Trotec BF06 lux meter was used to measure luminosity. Luminosity and temperature recordings were taken at 0 mm and 5 mm from the endoscope tip. RESULTS: Thermal energy transfer from operating endoscopes is greatest when: the light intensity is high, there is a light-emitting diode light source and the endoscope is touching the surface. Additionally, larger-diameter endoscopes, angled endoscopes and new endoscopes generated greater heat. CONCLUSION: It is recommended that operative light intensity is maintained at the lowest level possible, and that the surgeon avoids contact between patient tissues and the endoscope tip.

A systematic review of facial plastic surgery simulation training models.

OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to a need for alternative teaching methods in facial plastics. This systematic review aimed to identify facial plastics simulation models, and assess their validity and efficacy as training tools. METHODS: Literature searches were performed. The Beckman scale was used for validity. The McGaghie Modified Translational Outcomes of Simulation-Based Mastery Learning score was used to evaluate effectiveness. RESULTS: Overall, 29 studies were selected. These simulated local skin flaps (n = 9), microtia frameworks (n = 5), pinnaplasty (n = 1), facial nerve anastomosis (n = 1), oculoplastic procedures (n = 5), and endoscopic septoplasty and septorhinoplasty simulators (n = 10). Of these models, 14 were deemed to be high-fidelity, 13 low-fidelity and 2 mixed-fidelity. None of the studies published common outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Simulators in facial plastic surgical training are important. These models may have some training benefits, but most could benefit from further assessment of validity.

Feasibility of ovine and synthetic temporal bone models for simulation training in endoscopic ear surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Comparing the feasibility of ovine and synthetic temporal bones for simulating endoscopic ear surgery against the 'gold standard' of human cadaveric tissue. METHODS: A total of 10 candidates (5 trainees and 5 experts) performed endoscopic tympanoplasty on 3 models: Pettigrew temporal bones, ovine temporal bones and cadaveric temporal bones. Candidates completed a questionnaire assessing the face validity, global content validity and task-specific content validity of each model. RESULTS: Regarding ovine temporal bone validity, the median values were 4 (interquartile range = 4-4) for face validity, 4 (interquartile range = 4-4) for global content validity and 4 (interquartile range = 4-4) for task-specific content validity. For the Pettigrew temporal bone, the median values were 3.5 (interquartile range = 2.25-4) for face validity, 3 (interquartile range = 2.75-3) for global content validity and 3 (interquartile range = 2.5-3) for task-specific content validity. The ovine temporal bone was considered significantly superior to the Pettigrew temporal bone for the majority of validity categories assessed. CONCLUSION: Tympanoplasty is feasible in both the ovine temporal bone and the Pettigrew temporal bone. However, the ovine model was a significantly more realistic simulation tool.

Simulation training in laser safety education: the use of technical and non-technical skills simulation in a comprehensive laser safety course.

OBJECTIVE: The completion of a laser safety course remains a core surgical curriculum requirement for otolaryngologists training in the UK. This project aimed to develop a comprehensive laser safety course utilising both technical and non-technical skills simulation. METHODS: Otolaryngology trainees and consultants from the West of Scotland Deanery attended a 1-day course comprising lectures, two high-fidelity simulation scenarios and a technical simulation of safe laser use in practice. RESULTS: The course, and in particular the use of simulation training, received excellent feedback from otolaryngology trainees and consultants who participated. Both simulation scenarios were validated for future use in laser simulation. CONCLUSION: The course has been recognised as a laser safety course sufficient for the otolaryngology Certificate of Completion of Training. To the authors' knowledge, this article represents the first description of using in situ non-technical skills simulation training for teaching laser use in otolaryngology.