Our Summary

This study was conducted to determine if surgical training outside the operating room could improve the skills of medical students and junior doctors, leading to better patient safety. The focus was on endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), a procedure used to remove blockages in the sinuses.

Participants first took a multiple-choice test on ESS and watched a video about the procedure. Then, they practiced nine tasks related to sinus surgery using a simple, inexpensive model, and then performed two types of surgery on a cadaver. After this, they completed a training program focused on ESS, and then performed the same two surgeries on a cadaver again.

The researchers found that the participants’ scores on the initial multiple-choice test were more strongly related to their surgical performance than their performance on the practice tasks. However, both the medical students and junior doctors showed significant improvement in their surgical skills after completing the training program.

The largest improvements for the junior doctors were in three specific areas of the surgery: removing a part of the bone or tissue blocking the sinus, enlarging the opening of the sinus, and identifying a certain structure in the nose.

These results suggest that ESS training programs outside the operating room can be effective in improving surgical skills.

FAQs

  1. Can surgical training outside the operating room improve the skills of medical students and junior doctors?
  2. What were the largest areas of improvement for junior doctors after the ESS training program?
  3. How did the participants’ scores on the initial multiple-choice test relate to their surgical performance?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing sinus surgery to follow post-operative care instructions closely, including keeping the nasal passages clean and avoiding activities that could put strain on the sinuses. They may also recommend using saline nasal spray or a sinus rinse to help with healing and congestion. It is important for the patient to follow up with their doctor for any concerns or complications after surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended sinus surgery include those with chronic sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses that lasts for 12 weeks or longer), recurrent acute sinusitis, nasal polyps, sinus tumors, a deviated septum, or other structural issues in the sinuses that are causing symptoms such as chronic facial pain, headaches, congestion, and difficulty breathing. Patients who have not responded well to other treatments such as medications or nasal sprays may also be candidates for sinus surgery.

Timeline

Before sinus surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic sinusitis symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, congestion, and difficulty breathing.
  2. Patient consults with an ENT specialist who recommends sinus surgery as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes preoperative testing and evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

After sinus surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the sinus surgery procedure, which may involve endoscopic techniques to remove blockages and improve sinus drainage.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home.
  3. Patient may experience mild discomfort, congestion, and drainage in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient follows postoperative care instructions provided by their surgeon, which may include nasal irrigation, pain management, and follow-up appointments.
  5. Over the following weeks and months, patient experiences gradual improvement in their sinus symptoms and overall quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about sinus surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with sinus surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of sinus surgery for my specific condition?
  3. How long is the recovery period after sinus surgery?
  4. Will I need to take time off work or avoid certain activities after the surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. How experienced is the surgeon in performing sinus surgery?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or medications after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments to sinus surgery that I should consider?
  9. How long will the effects of the surgery last?
  10. What can I do to prepare for sinus surgery and optimize my recovery afterwards?

Reference

Authors: Harbison RA, Dunlap J, Humphreys IM, Davis GE. Journal: Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2018 Apr;8(4):537-546. doi: 10.1002/alr.22069. Epub 2018 Jan 11. PMID: 29323794