Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Simulator as a teaching tool for anatomy education

Background Virtual reality simulators provide an effective learning environment and are widely used. This study evaluated the Endoscopic Sinus Surgery Simulator (ES3; Lockheed Martin) as a tool for anatomic education. Methods Two medical student groups (experimental, n = 8; control, n = 7) studied paranasal sinus anatomy using either the simulator or textbooks. Their knowledge was then tested on the identification of anatomic structures on a view of the nasal cavities. Results The mean scores were 9.4 ± 0.5 and 5.1 ± 3.0 out of 10 for the simulator and textbook groups, respectively (P = .009). Moreover, the simulator group completed the test in a significantly shorter time, 5.9 ± 1.1 versus 8.3 ± 2.0 minutes (P = .021). A survey asking the students to rate their respective study modality did not materialize significant differences. Conclusion The ES3 can be an effective tool in teaching sinonasal anatomy. This study may help shape the future of anatomic education and the development of modern educational tools.