Lucidi D, Fernandez IJ, Botti C, Amorosa L, Alicandri-Ciufelli M, Villari D, Presutti L. Does microscopic experience influence learning curve in endoscopic ear surgery? A multicentric study.
Auris Nasus Larynx 2020;
48:50-56. [PMID:
32680599 DOI:
10.1016/j.anl.2020.06.015]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to illustrate the learning curve of endoscopic type-1 tympanoplasty comparing experts in microscopic otology versus neophyte surgeons.
METHODS
Eight ear surgeons, from tertiary referral centers, who had performed at least 30 endoscopic type 1 tympanoplasties were included in the study. Demographic data and medical records regarding the first 30 endoscopic type-1 tympanoplasties were retrospectively collected by each surgeon. A 14-questions survey focused on subjective aspects of the learning curve was administered. Surgeons were divided in two groups: one with previous experience in microscopic ear surgery (group 1) and one with no previous experience in ear surgery (group 2). The learning curve of endoscopic type 1 tympanoplasty was compared between the groups.
RESULTS
Mean surgical time was 89.2 min in group 1 vs. 79.5 min in group 2 (p < 0.01). When divided in 5 surgeries-steps, the only significant difference was appreciated in the first 5 surgeries with a longer mean time in group 1 vs. group 2 (+28.4 min; p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Surgeon's previous experience may influence the EES learning curve. Our results show that the first 5 surgical procedures are more challenging for surgeons experienced in microscopic surgery, subsequently the curve progression improves sharply and appears reversing the initial trend by the end of the 30 surgeries.
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