Journal: Frontiers in Medicine
Front. Med., 17 October 2024
Sec. Healthcare Professions Education
Volume 11 – 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1301511
Can high-fidelity 3D models be a good alternative for cadaveric materials in skill assessment for endoscopic sinus surgery? A comparison study in assessment for surgical performance in 3D models and cadavers.
Traditionally formal assessment of surgical skills has not been part of a surgeon’s accreditation process. The widely adopted apprentice model of “on-the-job training” does create additional risk for the patients. In the past surgical training has used cadavers, but these are expensive, require dedicated wet-lab facilities and are in increasingly short supply. In many countries religious and cultural practices also preclude cadaveric use. Recent 3D-printed technology allows mass reproduction of high-fidelity 3D models. In this study, we examined the utility of 3D sinus models compared to cadaver dissection for surgical skill assessment for endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).