The Role of Simulation in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Surgical Training

Introduction: In recent years, surgical simulators have become increasingly prevalent in medical training. New realistic 3D models have been introduced, aiming to simulate anatomical structures and tissue characteristics, including haptic feedback, to enhance surgical skills. Various virtual and physical models of simulators specifically designed for transnasal and transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery training have already been reported. This study was designed to assess three main objectives: the effectiveness of UpSurgeOn’s transnasal transsphenoidal surgery simulator, its impact on improving surgical skills when compared with cadaveric dissection, either separately or in sequence, and the validity of a training model that includes simulation as a preparatory step before cadaveric dissection.

Materials and Methods: A total of 34 participants, including ENT and neurosurgery residents and newly trained specialists, were enrolled in this study. Data were collected during two dissection courses held at the same facility (ICLO – Teaching and Research Center, Verona). Group 1 performed an initial dissection on a 3D model followed by cadaveric dissection, while Group 2 only performed cadaveric dissection.

Results: the results indicate that the 3D simulator is effective, and when compared with cadaveric dissection alone or as a preparatory tool, it preliminarily demonstrates the importance and value of endoscopic surgery simulators as an integral part of surgical training.

Conclusion: This study showed that both specialists and residents new to endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery significantly improved their surgical skills when they began with simulation-based training. We believe that the use of 3D dissection models can enhance basic technical skills, accelerating the development of surgeons.

 

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No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
07 February 2025