Simon Morris, ENT Registrar ST4, Wales Deanery.
I was fortunate to be granted a scholarship by the Tarabichi-Stammberger Ear & Sinus Institute (TSESI) to attend its cadaveric endoscopic ear course. This scholarship is open to young ENT trainees (less than 30 years old) from across the world who have an interest in developing their endoscopic skills under the tutorage of the world-renowned Dr Muaaz Tarabichi. I was joined by other scholars from Romania, Morocco and India at the state-of-the-art dissection laboratories in the Neuro-Spinal Hospital, where we were each allocated fresh frozen specimens to dissect.
Under Dr Tarabichi, Dr Kapadia and Dr Ashour, we were guided through all aspects of endoscopic ear surgery. The day started with an in-depth revision of middle ear anatomy and clinical applications of the endoscope. This was followed by an instructional on the non-clinical skills such as ergonomics, theatre preparation and instrumentation. Then following a live demonstration by Dr Tarabichi, we were guided through our endoscopic dissections from basics (raising the tympanomeatal flap, myringoplasty and tympanoplasty) through to advanced otology (facial nerve decompression, labyrinthectomy and access to the cerebellopontine angle).
As an ST4 with limited endoscopic experience, I was apprehensive about the level at which this course would be pitched. Yet, even for someone at the start of their career, this was an invaluable introduction to endoscopic ear surgery; not only equipping me with the basics to apply at my current stage of training, but also to show me the advanced applications of the endoscope for later in my career. I would not hesitate to attend further endoscopic training in TSESI and I am extremely grateful for their generosity in presenting me with this opportunity. I would urge all young trainees interested in endoscopic surgery to apply for this scholarship in the future.
