Comparing the Clinical Orientation Benefits of Endoscopic demonstration on the Nose, Paranasal Sinuses, and Skull Base Versus Cadaveric Dissection for First-Year Medical Undergraduates.

Abstract

The study aims to evaluate the advantages of using endoscopic demonstrations to teach nose, paranasal sinuses, and skull base anatomy compared to traditional cadaveric demonstrations. Traditional dissection methods do not provide an accurate representation of in vivo visualization of these anatomical areas. The goal is to align the teaching approach with the perspective students will have during clinical practice for better clinical orientation. In this study, 100 first-year medical students were split into two groups: Group A and Group B, each with 50 students. Group A received teaching through endoscopic demonstrations, while Group B had cadaveric demonstrations, both focused on nose, paranasal sinuses, and skull base anatomy. To assess comprehension and clinical orientation, both groups completed a questionnaire with clinically relevant questions, and their responses were collected and compared for analysis. Students who received endoscopic training showed better accuracy in addressing clinical queries than those only exposed to cadaveric dissection. Many participants favored incorporating endoscopic instruction, either as a replacement or addition to traditional cadaveric dissection, for the studied topics. The endoscopically trained group performed better in understanding anatomical landmarks, mentally reconstructing 3D images, and conceptualizing surgical approaches for the targeted anatomical areas. Incorporating endoscopic training for the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and skull base into the undergraduate medical curriculum would substantially augment students' clinical understanding and provide a more profound grasp of the dynamic anatomy in these areas.