ObjectiveTo describe and standardize a reproducible, viable, low-cost lamb’s head model for endoscopic sinus surgery training.MethodsOtorhinolaryngology residents performed the following three endoscopic sinus surgeries using the lamb’s head model: inferior turbinectomy, bullectomy, and maxillary antrostomy. Each student dissected 10 specimens before training these procedures on human patients, and the benefit of the animal model training was evaluated.ResultsNineteen resident physicians of comparable academic level participated in training. All participants agreed that the lamb’s head model dissections improved their skills in using surgical and videoendoscopic instruments, 90% agreed that the dissections improved their confidence with respect to training in human patients, and all stated they would recommend the same training to future residents.DiscussionLamb’s heads have been used for training in endoscopic sinus surgery. However, no standardization of this training had been performed to ensure that it is a valuable tool for learning and skill-building. The standardized method described in this study increased resident physicians’ skills and confidence before beginning their training on human patients. Moreover, our results demonstrate the feasibility of the model, considering its low cost and reproducibility.ConclusionFuture studies with this model should be conducted to assess whether the resulting increase in skills prevents and reduces medical errors, increases patient safety, reduces surgical costs, and improves the quality of otorhinolaryngological care.

Ear diseases are illnesses which represent a relevant group of morbidity. Otitis media, for instance, still is a public health problem today.Objective: To correlate hospital morbidity of ear diseases according to data from the Information Technology Department of the Public Health Care System -SUS (DATASUS), through the Hospital Information System (SIH) with the Human Development Index (IDH) from each unit of the federation. To assess the use of this official data in the creation of otologic public health care policies. Materials and Methods:Brazilian states were classified according to their respective IDH values. The percentage population from each state was calculated in relation to the entire population of the country, as well as the percentage of hospital admission caused by ear diseases (SIH) for each state in relation to their total number. The hospital admissions from each state were correlated with their respective IDH values. Results:The state of São Paulo, the third largest IDH was responsible for 38.82% of hospital admissions caused by ear diseases, although its population represents 21.64% of the national population. States with lower IDH had lower hospital admission rates for ear diseases.Conclusion: SIH, a DATASUS tool, even with limitations, can be an instrument used to create public policies concerning ear diseases. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2011;77(3):369-72. ORIGINAL ARTICLE BJORL

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