3D 4K Exo-Endoscopic Temporal Bone Dissection: A Novel Approach for Sharing the Anatomy.

Background: Temporal bone dissection is overwide recognized as an ideal training method for otologic surgeons. The knowledge of temporal bone anatomy and especially of the course of infratemporal facial nerve is pivotal in practice. The 3D exoscope is an innovative and promising tool, that was recently introduced in ear surgery.
Methods: A high-definition 3D exoscope (3D VITOM®) mounted on the VERSACRANE ^TM holding system (Karl Storz) was used to perform two temporal bone dissection, with the aim to study the anatomy of infratemporal facial nerve. The 3D endoscope (TIPCAM®1 S 3D ORL, Karl Storz) was used in combination to provide a close-up high-quality view and to provide a different angle of view on fine anatomical relationships.
Results: The high-definition 3D exoscope allowed to conduct the dissection with high quality visualization and to share the same surgical field with trainees. Moreover, it showed a high interchangeability with the 3D endoscope.
Conclusions: 3D 4 K Exo-endoscopic temporal bone dissection seems to have benefits in terms of educational purpose, especially concerning anatomy understanding. The superiority in teaching value of this tool should be further investigated in cohort studies.
Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.