Simulation in Otolaryngology and Airway Procedures

Anesthesiologists and otolaryngologists share overlapping patient concerns because of the proximity of the surgical airway. While many surgical environments benefit from a collegial team dynamic, the characteristics of the otolaryngologic environment require a unique interdisciplinary collaboration for optimal patient outcomes. Patients undergoing head and neck surgery are at high risk of potentially devastating events if the airway is distorted due to pathologic conditions. Therefore, both specialties benefit from a shared understanding of each other’s practice. Team training in the form of interprofessional simulation education involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing is critical for patient safety in the operating room in general but more so in otolaryngology surgery. High-quality ENT anesthesia simulation training should provide clinicians with (1) deliberate practice of procedural skills and/or (2) familiarization with equipment and their failure modes, (3) management of basic and critical events associated with ENT patients and surgery, (4) interdisciplinary crisis resource management skills during head and neck surgery including decision-making under pressure and delegation of roles, and (5) debriefing, reflection, and valuable feedback.