The endoscopic skull base surgery training program aims to train professional otolaryngology doctors to master the endoscopic skull base surgery techniques and improve the diagnosis and treatment level in the field of skull base surgery. Through systematic theoretical learning, simulation training and clinical practice, trainees can complete endoscopic skull base surgery independently and accurately, and have the ability to deal with related complications.

1. Mastering the basic theory of endoscopic skull base surgery.

2. Joining the clinical medical team, participating in clinical management, surgery, postoperative care, difficult case discussion.

3. Specimen anatomy training to Deepen the understanding of the anatomical structure of the skull base region, and lay a solid foundation for accurate surgical operation.

4. Combining the knowledge of otolaryngology, neurosurgery, head and neck surgery and other fields to cultivate students' interdisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment ability.

5. Participating in real endoscopic skull base surgery under the guidance of experienced doctors. Learning how to manage and prevent surgical complications and improve surgical safety and success.

The objective of our program is to empower trainees with the proficiency to grasp the fundamental theory, operational techniques, and postoperative management pertinent to endoscopic skull base surgery. We strive to elevate their expertise in diagnosing, differentiating, and treating cranial base surgeries. By the conclusion of our program, trainees will possess refined clinical reasoning and surgical planning abilities, enabling them to competently perform common endoscopic skull base surgeries independently and adeptly handle surgical complications. Ultimately, our program is dedicated to nurturing otolaryngologists who are adept at performing high-level endoscopic skull base surgeries.

The program provides a full-time, 1-month to 3-month training experience. In special circumstances, arrangements can be made for other lengths of training depending on your needs and interests.

Key areas and sub-specialties:

1. Nasopharyngeal cancer

2. Chronic sinusitis

3. Cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea ‌

4. Olfactory blastoma

5. Pituitary tumor

6. Growth or metastasis of malignant tumors in the skull base

7. Multidisciplinary team management

8. Surgery after recurrence of malignant tumor

Skill:

Basic surgical skills: transnasal endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal hemostatic tamponade

Training plan

Monday

Week 1: Introduction and welcome, project overview and objectives, department introduction

Weekly: Clinical patient management

Tuesday

Weekly: Anatomy theory teaching and practical training

Wednesday

Weekly: Difficult case discussion, teaching rounds

Biweekly: Simulated surgical training

Weekly: Lectures

Thursday

Weekly: Outpatient observation, academic lecture, surgical skills training

Friday

Weekly: Journal club, clinical skills training, special task training,

Last week: Summary and reflection, participant presentation or discussion of key points, feedback session

1. Theoretical assessment: The trainees' mastery of the basic theories of endoscopic skull base surgery was assessed through a written examination.

2. Skill assessment: Conduct surgical operation assessment in the simulator and real surgical environment to evaluate surgical skills and operational ability.

3. Clinical evaluation: The performance of trainees in clinical practice, including surgical quality and postoperative management, will be evaluated by supervisors and peers.

4. Comprehensive assessment: Combined with the results of theoretical assessment, skill assessment and clinical assessment, the overall performance of trainees is comprehensively assessed to determine whether the training objectives are achieved.

Participants can submit anonymous feedback via an online form at the end of the program.  One-on-one feedback sessions will also be scheduled midway through the program.

The program is free of charge.