Cadaver-Based Surgical Tracheostomy Training for Otolaryngology Residents: A Structured Educational Intervention with Quantitative Outcome Assessment

Abstract

Background
Open surgical tracheostomy remains an essential airway procedure in otolaryngology practice. However, structured exposure during early residency training is frequently limited by patient safety considerations and reduced operative autonomy. Cadaver-based surgical simulation provides high anatomical fidelity and may offer a practical solution for structured skill acquisition.
Objective
To design and evaluate a faculty-supervised cadaver-based tracheostomy training module and to quantify its impact on resident knowledge, technical competence, confidence, and procedural anxiety.
Methods
This prospective educational interventional study was conducted over two academic years (2023–2025). Sixteen first-year otolaryngology residents underwent structured cadaver-based surgical tracheostomy training. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included a 20-point knowledge test, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) scoring, confidence rating, and procedural anxiety scale. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and Cohen’s d effect size estimation.
Results
All assessed domains demonstrated statistically significant improvement. Knowledge scores increased from 12.1 ± SD to 17.5 ± SD (p < 0.001). OSATS global rating improved from 2.3 to 4.0 (p < 0.001). Confidence improved significantly, while procedural anxiety decreased markedly. Effect sizes exceeded 1.2 across domains, indicating large educational impact.
Conclusion
Structured cadaver-based tracheostomy training significantly enhances cognitive understanding, technical proficiency, and psychological readiness. Integration of cadaveric modules into otolaryngology residency curricula is recommended, particularly in resource-constrained training environments.