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. 2024 Jun;138(6):692-695.
doi: 10.1017/S0022215124000057. Epub 2024 Jan 17.

A force sensor improves trainee technique for rigid endoscopy

Sumrit Bola  1 , Manu Kunaal Shrivastava  1 , Josh Brown  1 , Matthew Cherko  1 , Beatrice Emmanouil  2
Affiliations

A force sensor improves trainee technique for rigid endoscopy

Sumrit Bola et al. J Laryngol Otol. 2024 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: This low-cost, simple model allows trainees to rehearse a high-risk procedure in a safe environment and adjust their operative technique.

Keywords: Endoscopy; dysphagia; head and neck cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

None declared

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
(a) Force sensitive resistor connected to a multimeter. (b) Sensor placed on gum guard of the manikin. (c) Trainee performing simulated rigid oesophagoscopy on a manikin.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Scatterplot of results demonstrating the weight recorded at the first attempt at simulated rigid oesophagoscopy for trainees, registrars and consultants. Each dot represents a participant.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Scatterplot demonstrating the weight recorded by each of the 10 junior trainees at their first and fifth attempts.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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