Safety of tympanoplasty and ossiculoplasty performed by otorhinolaryngology trainees

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the impact of trainee involvement in performing tympanoplasty or tympano-ossiculoplasty on outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of a prospective database of all patients undergoing tympanoplasty and tympano-ossiculoplasty in a single centre during a three-year period. Patients were divided into three primary surgeon groups: consultants, fellows and residents. The outcomes of operative time, surgical complications, length of hospital stay, and air–bone gap improvement were compared among the groups.ResultsThe study included 398 tympanoplasty and tympano-ossiculoplasty surgical procedures, 71 per cent of which were performed by junior trainees (residents). The junior trainee group was associated with a significantly longer surgical time, without adverse impact on outcomes.ConclusionTrainee participation in tympanoplasty and tympano-ossiculoplasty surgery was associated with longer surgical time, but did not negatively affect the peri-operative course or hearing outcome. Therefore, resident involvement in these types of surgery is safe.

Frailty Is Superior to Age for Predicting Readmission, Prolonged Length of Stay, and Wound Infection in Elective Otology Procedures

“…Increasing age is associated with higher comorbidities that may contribute to postoperative complications such as delayed wound healing and increased rates of infection and readmission (11)(12)(13). Continued efforts to identify risk factors, including age, for the purposes of improving outcomes are ongoing (7)(8)(9)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19). Although older patients may be at increased risk for perioperative complications and mortality, age alone is not a sufficient contraindication for surgical management (20).…”