# Trainee-Reported Outcomes of Otology Simulation Training: Examining Effectiveness of the VOXEL-MAN Temporal Bone Simulator as a Training Adjunct in Mastoid Surgery

## TL;DR

This study shows that using the VOXEL-MAN simulator improves trainees' understanding and confidence in mastoid surgery techniques.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the effectiveness of the VOXEL-MAN simulator as a training tool in otology, particularly during training disruptions like the pandemic.

## Key findings

- Trainees showed significant improvement in familiarity with temporal bone anatomy and surgical landmarks.
- Only 30% of trainees felt they had adequate otology exposure in the last two years.
- The simulator helped compensate for reduced hands-on training opportunities during the pandemic.

## Abstract

Introduction: Mastoid surgery is technically challenging with complex three-dimensional (3D) anatomy. With reduced access to traditional training methods and increasing new technologies available, virtual reality simulation is being evaluated in a regional training program as an adjunct to existing training structures.

Methods: Twenty higher surgical trainees were instructed to complete a cortical mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy on a VOXEL-MAN simulator (VOXEL-MAN, Hamburg, Germany). A pre- and post-session questionnaire was completed.

Results: The visual analogue score for familiarity with the temporal bone 3D anatomy, cortical mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy surgical landmarks increased by 1.8 cm (p<0.0001), 1.4 cm (p<0.0001) and 2.2 cm (p<0.0001), respectively. Thirty percent of trainees felt that they had received adequate otology exposure within the last two years; 20% felt they would acquire enough experience to become a consultant otologist.

Conclusion: The VOXEL-MAN temporal bone simulator is effective in improving perceived anatomical and surgical knowledge and trainee confidence. Incorporating it into training programmes can help trainees compensate for the impact of the pandemic.