• Jerónimo Matassa-Patrone, Giuliana Agras-Menghi, Pablo Espil, Juan Maccagno, Paulina Navarrete, Exequiel Verdier, Cesar Petre, Marcelo Acuña, and Alejandro Saravia-Toledo.
• Department of Neurosurgery, Sanatorio Güemes, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Neuroanatomy Laboratory of the Institute of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Electronic address: jmatassapatrone@gmail.com.
• World Neurosurg. 2024 Apr 1; 184: 748574-85.

BackgroundEndoscopic skull base surgery is constantly evolving and its scope has expanded. The acquisition of surgical skills involves a long learning curve with significant risks for the patient. Therefore, training in the laboratory has become essential to achieve appropriate proficiency and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these procedures. The objective of our work is to develop and validate a cost-effective and easily replicable simulator for endonasal endoscopy training using a swine cadaveric model.MethodsWe used fresh Pietrain swine heads. Training exercises of increasing complexity were performed. A Specific Technical Skills and Knowledge Scale was created considering the objectives to be assessed in each task. After the simulation, the trainees were required to answer a satisfaction survey.ResultsTen participants were recruited (5 neurosurgery residents and 5 neurosurgeons). The simulator assessment showed statistically significant differences between groups. Performance was better among the group with endoscopic surgery experience. Face validity was assessed through a postsimulation questionnaire showing an overall mean score of 28.7 out of 30, indicating a highly positive overall assessment of the simulator. Furthermore, 100% of the trainees believe that including endoscopy training in their education would be beneficial.ConclusionsThe endonasal endoscopy training simulator using a swine cadaveric model is a useful and accessible tool for enhancing surgical skills in this field. It provides an opportunity for training outside the operating room, reducing the potential risks associated with patient practice, and improving the training of residents.Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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