A force sensor improves trainee technique for rigid endoscopy.

Abstract

Developing skills in rigid endoscopy poses challenges to the surgical trainee. This study investigates whether a modified manikin can improve the technical skill of junior operators by providing direct quantitative feedback. A force-sensing pad was incorporated into the oral cavity of a life support manikin. Junior trainees and senior otolaryngologists were invited to perform rigid endoscopy and received real-time feedback from the force sensor during the procedure. There was a significant inverse correlation between operator seniority and the weight applied to the oral cavity (p < 0.0001). All junior trainee operators applied less weight after five attempts (346 ± 90.95 g) compared to their first attempt (464 ± 85.79 g). This gave a statistically significant decrease of 118 g (standard deviation = 107.27 g, p = 0.007) when quantitative feedback was provided to learning operators. This low-cost, simple model allows trainees to rehearse a high-risk procedure in a safe environment and adjust their operative technique.