Objectives
Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) is a complex operation used to treat subglottic stenosis. The use of simulator models is a valuable tool in surgical trainee education, particularly for operations such as LTR that are less common outside high‐volume centers. Three‐dimensional (3D) printing of the human airway may provide an effective and more accessible alternative to porcine cadaveric models. The objective of this study is to compare the educational value of a 3D‐printed model and a porcine cadaveric model as LTR simulation methods.
Methods
Simulated LTR procedures were completed by 12 otolaryngology residents and a faculty physician on the cadaveric model and the 3D‐printed simulator model. Both models were evaluated by fellowship‐trained pediatric otolaryngologists to establish construct validity. Pre‐procedure surveys of participants evaluated confidence and attitude toward models and post‐procedure surveys evaluated confidence, overall impressions, relevance, content validity, and face validity.
Results
Participants reported a similar mean increase in confidence after performing LTR on the 3D‐printed model (14%) and cadaveric model (11%). Participants rated both models similarly for utility as an overall training tool and in teaching surgical planning and improving operative techniques. However, participants found the 3D‐printed model more useful for teaching anatomy (
p
= .047).
Conclusion
3D‐printed models have practical benefits over cadaveric models; they do not decompose and can be custom made to model a disease state such as subglottic stenosis. Participants reported a similar mean increase in confidence after using either simulation. The 3D‐printed model is a promising simulation candidate as it compares well to an animal model and has the advantage of being more anatomically true to pediatric patients.
Level of Evidence: Level 2.
Background: Nasal septal perforations (NSP) cause a
variety of bothersome symptoms for patients, and when medical management
fails, surgical repair is indicated. Objective: This study examines the
efficacy of a NSP repair method utilizing superficial or deep temporal
fascia and a polydiaxonone (PDS) plate scaffold to the prior repair
method of a pedicled anterior ethmoid mucosal flap. Methods: A
retrospective review of patients who underwent NSP repair at a tertiary
academic medical center from 2016-2021. Results: The most common
etiologies for NSP were prior nasal surgery, digital trauma, and chronic
epistaxis. Compared to the previous repair group with local flaps, the
temporalis fascia and PDS plate group had significantly higher rates of
complete closure for perforations of all sizes and a lower incidence of
revision surgery. Patients also reported improved resolution of symptoms
after repair with this new method. Conclusion: The use of temporalis
fascia with a PDS plate is a promising surgical method for repair of
NSP, regardless of size or etiology. Keywords: septal perforation,
polydiaxonone, temporalis
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