BackgroundThree‐dimensional (3D) printed models have been shown to be promising in surgical training in rhinology. The objectives of this study were to develop a set of 3D‐printed models including the pediatric and adult nasal cavity, and the postsurgical paranasal sinuses, and to assess the face and content validity in endoscopic training.MethodsThe computed tomography (CT) data of a pediatric patient without nasal disorders and an adult patient with nasal septal deviation were selected to produce the models of the pediatric and adult nasal cavity, and the CT data of an adult patient who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery 4 months ago was chosen to create the paranasal sinus model. After the models were printed by our desktop‐level 3D printer, 5 rhinologists used the 5‐point Likert scales to evaluate the fidelity and utility. Additionally, a group of prespecified tasks were completed by the rhinologists and 5 residents respectively for supplementary content validation. The difference of time used in completing each task was analyzed by Mann‐Whitney U test.ResultsAll the models were prototyped in 24 hours, and the total cost for each model was less than 100 CNY (15 USD). The overall scores for fidelity and usefulness in endoscopic training were above 4.0. The experts accomplished all tasks using significantly less time than the residents (all p < 0.05).ConclusionThe models of nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses made by our desktop‐level 3D printer are high‐fidelity, low‐cost, and useful in training basic endoscopic skills.

Background: The use of 3-dimensional (3D)-printed models is promising in nasal endoscopic technique training. Here, we aimed to develop postsurgical simulants for use in conjunction with 3D-printed nasal models and to assess their usefulness in helping residents transfer basic endoscopic skills acquired during simulation training to clinical situations. Methods: The secretion simulant was prepared via a crosslinked reaction between sodium alginate and acrylamide, whereas the packing simulant was prepared using a superabsorbent polymer. A er the simulants' fidelity and utility were evaluated by 5 rhinologists using a 5-point Likert scale, 46 novice residents were trained using the 3D-printed nasal models and postsurgical simulants for 2 weeks. A checklist and Global Rating Scale (GRS) were used to assess their performances before and a er training, and the time to finish each task was also recorded. Following training, the qualified trainees operated on real patients and were reevaluated. Results: The simulants' similarity and usefulness scored ࣙ4.0, and the training cost was 28 CNY ($4 USD) per session. Following training, the checklist and GRS scores increased, and the operation time decreased (all p < 0.05). There were no statistical differences between the trainees' performances on the models with the simulants and on patients (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: The low-cost simulated secretion and dressing are safe to use. The application of the simulants in conjunction with that of 3D-printed nasal models in a simulated task se ing can help residents in transferring endoscopic skills acquired during simulation teaching to real patients.