3D Printing in ENT Training: Current State-of-the-Art and Perspectives

OBJECTIVES: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been incorporated into medical research and numerous applications have been reported since its development in the 1980s. Ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery is one of the fields that 3D printing is gaining increasing popularity, as it can contribute to surgical training, patient education and bioengineering. This article aims at providing an updated review of 3D printed models applications in improving ENT trainees' surgical skills.

METHODS: A structured literature search in the PubMed database was conducted followed by a narrative synthesis of articles that met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.

RESULTS: Several publications have studied the potential benefits of 3D printed models in Rhinology, Otology, Paediatric ENT and Laryngology. The major advantage is the low cost and quick production of customized models or trainers, according to the needs of the user.

CONCLUSION: The available literature demonstrates the rapid expansion of 3D printing applications in ENT training. Hopefully in the near future, technological advances and more precise designing will allow the production of high fidelity and lower-cost models in any part of the world.