Simulated Surgical Model Design for Myringotomy and Tympanostomy Tube Insertion in Children using Medical Image Processing and 3D-Printing Technologies

Kawin  Pratumaneechai; Archwin  Tanphaichitr; Thanongchai  Siriapisith; Vannipa  Vathanophas; Kitirat  Ungkanont; Puttinun  Patpituck

doi:10.33192/Smj.2022.79

Authors

Kawin Pratumaneechai Vejnitatphattana School, Medical Educational Technology Program, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Archwin Tanphaichitr Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Thanongchai Siriapisith Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Vannipa Vathanophas Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Kitirat Ungkanont Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Puttinun Patpituck Vejnitatphattana School, Medical Educational Technology Program, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/Smj.2022.79

Keywords:

Myringotomy, tympanostomy tube insertion, medical image processing, 3D-print, surgical simulation

Abstract

Objective: Researchers aimed to design surgical simulation models using medical image processing and 3D-printing technologies to train otolaryngologie residents with correct surgical techniques and study their skills improvement.
Materials and Methods: The models were produced for three age ranges (group A: 8-12 years old, group B: 3-7 years old, and group C: 10 months - 2 years old). Eleven residents were practiced from older to younger child models. Overall surgical time and results were evaluated to determine improvement. Both residents and specialists assessed satisfaction surveys after training.
Results: The median operational time was significantly reduced by 64.57% in model A and 50.24% in model B (p < 0.05). Operating time and surgical skills improved in order from models A, B, and C. Model C showed the most improvement with correct operational techniques in myringotomy incision (66.7%, p = 0.003) and tympanostomy tube insertion (48.5%, p = 0.011). Residents’ and specialists’ satisfaction assessments exhibited prominent satisfaction results with surgical simulation model training.
Conclusion: Surgical simulation models training enhanced residencies’ confidence and improved correct surgical techniques. Residencies can gradually practice skills from fundamental to more complicated techniques in younger child model where symptom occurs.

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