Validation study of an ex vivo porcine auricular model for simulation training in otoplasty

Abstract

Objective To perform a validation assessment of a novel porcine ex vivo model for otoplasty training. Methods A total of nine otolaryngology trainees performed a standard approach otoplasty on a porcine ear. They completed a series of tasks including posterior skin incision, anterior scoring, Mustardé suture placement and concha–mastoid suture placement. Trainees completed a post-task questionnaire assessing face validity, global content validity and task-specific content validity. Results Trainees’ median scores for the porcine model were: 4 for face validity (interquartile range, 3–4), 5 for global content validity (interquartile range, 4–5) and 4 for task-specific content validity (interquartile range, 4–4). Conclusion This study is the first to formally validate the ex vivo porcine auricular model as a useful tool for training in otoplasty. The model should be incorporated into simulation training for otoplasty in order to improve learning, enable acquisition of specific surgical skills and improve operative outcomes.

Thinking Beyond the Temporal Bone Lab: A Systematic Process for Expanding Surgical Simulation in Otolaryngology Training

“…Simulation in neuro-otology was captured in 20 models (Supplemental Table 1). 10-30 Eight were intended for myringotomy +/− pressure equalization tube (PET) insertion, 7 for mastoidectomy, 2 for temporal bone dissection, one each for otoplasty, ossiculoplasty, and endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty. Of the bench-top models, the myringotomy and PET insertion model described by Malekzadeh et al is notable for its low cost and low fidelity approach that incorporated readily available clinical supplies to enhance time to completion and global rating scores when compared to didactic training alone.…”