ArticleAnnals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England2026
Balloon sinuplasty: does a model simulator improve ENT trainee competence?
Article in Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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3 authors.
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Abstract
introductionBalloon sinuplasty is an established technique for treating chronic rhinosinusitis and its role in managing complicated acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) is emerging. Complicated ARS is a potentially life-threatening condition and balloon sinuplasty is not currently a competency required by UK otolaryngology trainees. To our knowledge, we are the first to investigate whether a balloon sinuplasty model simulator was able to improve trainee self-perceived competence.
methodsA prospective, qualitative-based study was carried out including all candidates attending a national paediatric course rotating through our balloon sinuplasty model simulator station. Candidates returned a questionnaire to evaluate their experience.
resultsTwenty feedback forms were returned. Candidates ranged from core trainees to consultants, with the majority being registrar or senior clinical fellow level (89.4%). Three candidates had previously performed balloon sinuplasty in adults and none in children. The number of candidates rating their understanding of how to perform balloon sinuplasty as ≥7 increased after the simulator experience from 9 of 20 (45%) to 20 of 20 (100%). Following the model simulator experience, 45% felt confident in performing balloon sinuplasty in adult patients and 25% in children. In all, 40% of candidates were confident in using balloon sinuplasty electively and 35% felt they would be able to use it in an emergency procedure.
conclusionsSurgical confidence in performing balloon sinuplasty is generally low, especially among trainees. A balloon sinuplasty model simulator is able to improve this but further training and hands-on experience is required to facilitate translation of simulation acquired surgical skills to the operating theatre.
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