The Role of Virtual Reality in Advancing Surgical Training in Otolaryngology: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Technological advancements have rapidly transformed medical education and surgical training, with virtual reality (VR) emerging as a valuable tool. VR offers immersive and interactive environments, enhancing the development of surgical skills without the risks that come with conventional training methods. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), considering all relevant publications up to June 30, 2024. This review focused on randomized controlled trials involving medical students, where VR was used alone or in combination with other educational approaches, compared to traditional training methods. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of studies using the modified Downs and Black scale. Of 1,074 identified articles, six studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies, conducted in Denmark and Australia, utilized a range of VR platforms, including the Visible Ear Simulator, MediseusVR Surgical Drilling Simulator, and Geomagic Haptic device. Quality assessments showed that the studies generally had strong methodology, with reporting scores between 7 and 8 out of 11, and external validity scores between 2 and 3 out of 3. Results indicated that VR training has the potential to improve hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and surgical performance in ENT procedures. However, findings on VR's superiority over traditional methods were mixed, as some studies found no substantial differences in performance metrics. Overall, VR offers a controlled and risk-free training environment that may enhance the acquisition and retention of surgical skills in ENT surgery. Although VR demonstrates significant promise, additional research is needed to fully establish its effectiveness and explore its broader application in surgical education. This systematic review provides a detailed evaluation of VR's impact on ENT surgical training, highlighting its potential to transform the future of surgical education.

Keywords: ent procedures; hand-eye coordination; immersive training; medical education; randomized controlled trials; skill acquisition; spatial awareness; surgical performance; surgical training; virtual reality.

Figure 1. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flowchart of study search and selection.