Objective/Hypothesis
To assess the use of a three‐dimensional (3D) printed, multilayer facial flap model for use in trainee education as an alternative method of teaching surgical techniques of facial reconstruction.
Study Design
Cohort study.
Methods
A 3D printed facial flap simulator was designed from a computed tomography scan and manufactured out of silicone for low‐cost, high‐fidelity simulation. This simulator was tested by a group of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery trainees at a single institution. The simulator group was compared to a control group who completed an exercise on a traditional paper facial flap exercise. Both groups underwent didactic lectures prior to completing their respective exercises. Pre‐ and post‐exercise Likert scale surveys measuring experience, understanding, effectiveness, and realism were completed by both groups. Central tendency, variability, and confidence intervals were measured to evaluate the outcomes.
Results
Trainees completing the facial flap simulator reported a statistically significant (p < 0.05) improvement in overall expertise in facial flap procedures, design of facial flaps, and excision of standing cutaneous deformities. No statistically significant improvement was seen in the control group.
Conclusions
Trainees found the facial flap simulator to be an effective and useful training tool with a high level of realism in surgical education of facial reconstruction. Surgical simulators can serve as an adjunct to trainee education, especially during extraordinary times such as the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which significantly impacted surgical training.
Level of Evidence
NA
Laryngoscope
, 2021
Objectives/Hypothesis: Despite increasing the numbers of women entering the field, underrepresentation of women in otolaryngology has been reported. In the subspecialty of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS), female representation and academic leadership have not been formally characterized. Our study aims to identify female representation and academic leadership roles in FPRS.Study Design: Cross sectional analysis. Methods: Analysis was performed using the 2020 American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) membership directory. Board-eligible and board-certified FPRS surgeons were included. Data regarding academic rank, leadership position, academic productivity, and years in practice were collected from publicly available departmental websites. Academic productivity was measured using h-index.Results: Of 1,421 members queried in the 2020 AAFPRS membership directory, 13.0% were female and 86.9% were male. Most practitioners (87.0%) work in a private practice setting, but of the 13.0% of academic FPRS surgeons, 25.9% were female. Most female facial plastic surgeons in academic practice were Assistant Professors (72.9%), whereas ranks were evenly distributed among male FPRS surgeons. Three (4.3%) of 69 AAFPRS fellowship directors were women, and 1 (1.8%) of 56 present or past AAFPRS presidents was female. Female FPRS surgeons had fewer years in practice and lower h-indices compared with male surgeons.Conclusions: Female FPRS surgeons hold fewer academic leadership positions and have lower academic productivity in comparison to male FPRS surgeons. Future studies are needed to elucidate the etiology of these gender differences.
Cochlear implant extrusion is a rare complication which has been attributed to various causes. This report identifies keloid formation as another possible source.
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