title: The University of Pennsylvania curriculum for training otorhinolaryngology residents in transoral robotic surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To define a curriculum for the development of robotic surgical skills in otorhinolaryngology residency training.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the current literature on robotic surgery training was performed. Based on prior reports in other specialties, a curriculum for otorhinolaryngology residents was created that progresses through several modules, including didactics, inanimate skills laboratory, and operative experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The curriculum for residents in otorhinolaryngology was designed as follows: didactics include an overview of the robotic device and instruments, a tutorial in basic controls and function, and a room setup and positioning. The anatomy and steps of transoral procedures are taught through books, videos, operative observations, and cadaver dissections. Skills are developed with a virtual reality robotic simulator and robotics labs. The operative experience progresses from case observation to bedside assistant to console surgeon. The role of the console surgeon progresses in a stepwise fashion, and the procedures of radical tonsillectomy, supraglottic partial laryngectomy, and base of tongue resection have been organized as a series of steps.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A structured curriculum for training residents in transoral robotic surgery was developed. This training is important for otorhinolaryngology residents to acquire the knowledge and skills to perform robotic surgery safely.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Sperry
authors.forename: Bert W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: O'Malley
authors.forename: Gregory S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Weinstein
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012371:Robotics / Q000193:education*