title: Low-cost modular phonosurgery training station: development and validation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Phonosurgery requires technical precision and careful tissue handling. Typically, phonosurgical procedures require single-operator techniques, making it difficult for novice residents to develop necessary skills. We developed a low-cost phonosurgery simulator to allow practice and acquisition of microlaryngeal skills.
  
  
  METHODS
  Validation study assessing the simulator's face and content validity in surgical education.
  
  
  METHODS
  For construction, the simulator is composed of a simulation station and laryngeal modules, each constructed with inexpensive, easily accessible materials including plywood and polyvinyl chloride pipe. Laryngeal modules were constructed using rubber bands, bacitracin, and plastic wrap to simulate layers of the true vocal fold. Three separate modules were developed to address specific skills: 1) basic instrumentation; 2) papilloma debulking; 3) subepithelial and epithelial lesion excision. Papillomas, subepithelial, and epithelial lesions were simulated with grapefruit, caulk, and suture, respectively. The Kantor-Berci video laryngoscope was used for visualization. For validation, face and content validity were assessed by attending otolaryngologists (n = 16), who performed the three specific skills using the simulation station and completed a 5-point Likert-type postsimulation questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most participants (89%) strongly agreed that the simulator incorporates essential phonosurgery skills and that portions of the model simulated an actual case (content validity). All participants (100%) agreed that the simulator is an adequate training device to increase resident competency and would be interested in using it to train residents (face validity).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This simulator has the potential to be an important component of phonosurgical education and preoperative preparation. Advantages include a realistic experience, modular design, and inexpensive construction.
  
  
  METHODS
  N/A.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Holliday
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Victoria M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Bones
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Sonya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Malekzadeh
authors.affiliation: Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Nazaneen N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000379:methods; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000193:education; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000193:education*; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D010212:Papilloma / Q000601:surgery; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*
keywords: Kantor-Berci; Phonosurgery; residency; simulation