A Feasible, Low-Cost, Capsicum and Tomato Model for Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Surgery Training

Abstract

To describe and standardize an easily available, viable, low-cost capsicum and Tomato model for endoscopic sinus and Skull Base surgery training. Rhinology fellows performed the following stimulated endoscopic sinus exercises using the capsicum and tomato models at our centre using a Karl Storz angled Endoscope and Medtronic Debrider with various angled blades. Each student dissected 10 specimens before training these procedures on human patients, and the benefit of the capsicum and tomato models training was evaluated. 10 rhinology fellows of comparable academic level participated in the training. All participants agreed that the capsicum and tomato model dissections improved their skills in using powered instruments and endoscopic instruments, 90% agreed that the dissections improved their hand-eye coordination, precision, the manoeuvrability of angled blades and confidence with respect to their further training in human patients. A novel technique of low-cost model using Capsicum and Tomato has been used for training fellows in endoscopic sinus and Skull Base surgery. However, no standardization of this training has been performed to ensure that it is a valuable tool for learning and skill-building. The standardized method described in this study increased the skills and confidence of the fellows before beginning their training on human patients. Moreover, our results demonstrate the feasibility of the model, considering its cost-effectiveness and easy availability. A novel technique of low-cost simulation exercises using capsicum and tomato have been described. Future studies with this model should be conducted to assess whether the resulting increase in skills prevents and reduces medical errors, increases patient safety, reduces training costs, and improves the quality of otolaryngological care.

Keywords: Cadaver training; Capsicum model; FESS; Rhinology; Skullbase surgery; Tomato model.

Fig. 1

Capsicum walls on both ends are cut open to stimulate the nasal cavity

Fig. 2

The instrument pointed in this figure can be related to the maxillary crest and Septum

Fig. 3

The instrument is pointing to the area which can be imagined as a nasal septum