Affiliation:
1. Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Phoenix Children's Hospital Phoenix Arizona U.S.A.
2. Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Seattle Children's Hospital Seattle Washington U.S.A.
3. Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Madigan Army Medical Center Tacoma Washington U.S.A.
4. Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville Tennessee U.S.A.
5. Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery University of Washington School of Medicine Seattle Washington U.S.A.
6. Center for Clinical and Translational Research Seattle Children's Hospital Seattle Washington U.S.A.
Abstract
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop and assess multidisciplinary advanced surgical planning (ASP) sessions using three dimensional (3D) printed models for cervicothoracic slide tracheoplasty (CST). We hypothesized that these sessions would improve surgeon confidence, streamline intraoperative planning, and highlight the utility of 3D modeling.Methods3D‐printed patient‐specific trachea models were used in pre‐operative ASP sessions consisting of a multidisciplinary case discussion and hands‐on slide tracheoplasty simulation. Participants completed a survey rating realism, utility, impact on the final surgical plan, and pre‐ and post‐session confidence. Statistical analysis was performed via Wilcoxon and Kruskal‐Wallis tests.ResultsForty‐eight surveys were collected across nine sessions and 27 different physicians. On a 5‐point Likert scale, models were rated as “very realistic”, “very useful” (both median of 4, IQR 3–4 and 4–5, respectively). Overall confidence increased by 1.4 points (+/− 0.7, p < 0.0001), with the largest change seen in those with minimal prior slide tracheoplasty experience (p = 0.005). Participants felt that the sessions “strongly” impacted their surgical plan or anticipated performance (median 4, IQR 4–5), regardless of training level or experience.Conclusion3D‐printed patient‐specific models were successfully implemented in ASP sessions for CST. Models were deemed very realistic and very useful by surgeons across multiple specialties and training levels. Surgical planning sessions also strongly impacted the final surgical plan and increased surgeon confidence for CST.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:3395–3401, 2024
Funder
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders