Our Summary

This research paper talks about the development and assessment of a new training model for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors to practice septoplasty - a type of nasal surgery. This is particularly important in the current context where COVID-19 has limited surgical exposure.

The model is designed to be cost-effective and easy to replicate, using pig ears to simulate human nasal cartilage. The septoplasty procedure was broken down into key tasks, and a specific rating system was developed to evaluate performance on each task.

The study involved a group of trainee and faculty doctors who performed the tasks using this model. Their performance was recorded and evaluated by two independent experts. The study also included a satisfaction survey to assess how realistic the model was.

The results showed that faculty members performed better than trainees in terms of the rating scale, operation time, and efficiency of hand movements. The satisfaction survey results indicated that the model was highly applicable to a real-life scenario.

The study concludes that this training model, along with its specific rating system, is an effective tool for assessing septoplasty skills. Given its low cost and easy replicability, it could be a useful addition to ENT surgical training programs.

FAQs

  1. What is the new training model for septoplasty and how is it designed?
  2. How was the performance of doctors using the training model evaluated in the study?
  3. What were the key findings of the study on the new septoplasty training model?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about septoplasty is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include avoiding certain medications, fasting before the surgery, and stopping smoking. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful outcome and smooth recovery from the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended septoplasty are those who have a deviated septum causing breathing difficulties, nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, or recurrent sinus infections. Septoplasty may also be recommended for patients with nasal deformities or those who have experienced trauma to the nose. Ultimately, the decision to undergo septoplasty is made on a case-by-case basis by an ENT specialist after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and medical history.

Timeline

Timeline:

Before septoplasty:

  • Patient experiences chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing through the nose, recurrent sinus infections, nosebleeds, and/or snoring.
  • Patient consults with an ENT specialist who performs a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, and possibly imaging studies to diagnose a deviated septum.
  • Treatment options such as medications, nasal sprays, and allergy management may be tried before deciding on surgery.
  • Pre-operative evaluations including blood tests, ECG, and anesthesia consultation are conducted.

After septoplasty:

  • Patient undergoes septoplasty surgery, which typically takes 1-2 hours under general anesthesia.
  • Following surgery, patient may experience pain, swelling, nasal congestion, and mild bleeding for the first few days.
  • Patient is discharged the same day or after an overnight stay in the hospital.
  • Recovery period involves taking pain medications, using nasal sprays, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  • Over the next few weeks, patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved nasal breathing and reduced symptoms related to the deviated septum.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about septoplasty include:

  1. What is septoplasty and why do I need it?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with septoplasty?
  3. What is the success rate of septoplasty in improving nasal breathing?
  4. What is the recovery process like after septoplasty?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of septoplasty?
  6. How experienced are you in performing septoplasty procedures?
  7. How will my septoplasty be tailored to my specific nasal anatomy and issues?
  8. Can you walk me through the steps of the septoplasty procedure?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the septoplasty?
  10. How long will the effects of septoplasty last, and will I need any follow-up procedures or appointments?

Reference

Authors: Rosenbaum A, Faba G, Varas J, Andrade T. Journal: OTO Open. 2022 Oct 18;6(4):2473974X221128928. doi: 10.1177/2473974X221128928. eCollection 2022 Oct-Dec. PMID: 36274921