3-Dimensionally Printed Affordable Nose Model: A Reliable Start in Endoscopic Training for Young Neurosurgeons

Background: Training neurosurgical skills is one of the most important tasks of a residency program. Techniques' complexity and pathology rarity define a long learning curve for mastering different surgical skills for which simulation on anatomic samples is extremely important. For this purpose, cadaver laboratory training is the most reliable tool. However, since access to cadaveric specimens is limited, due to costs and availability, surgical skills could be developed using inanimate models. This work aimed to develop a printable 3-dimensional model of the nasal cavity and sellar floor using an open-source downloadable file, to give residents the opportunity to improve their endoscopic surgical skills in a low-risk atmosphere with little cost. Methods: The 3D model was realized taking as a sample a real-case CT scan imaging from which the sellar floor was removed. A quail egg was placed underneath the printed model covering the sellar floor opening. Under endoscopic visualization, the “sellar floor” was drilled by each participant with the goal of sparing the egg's inner membrane. Once the task was achieved, surgeons were asked to participate in a satisfaction survey. Results: The total cost for printing was 6.31€ (6,72$). A satisfaction survey showed technical improvement (90%), increased confidence (80%), and bringing learned skills into the operating room (70%), leading to a 100% agreement in introducing this project into residency programs. Conclusions: Training on affordable anatomic models represents a useful tool in technical skills improvement. We believe this model could help residents bring their technical capabilities to more sophisticated levels.