Grommet Insertion on Stretched Glove over ear Speculum: A Novel Training Technique

Grommet insertion is a common procedure in field of Otology. Its outcome depends highly on degree of experience of the surgeon.

Simulation in training and clinical practice is an important facet in a surgeon’s life. However, the non-availability of fresh cadavers, pre-existing damaged tympanic membrane in available cadavers and escalating cost of artificial cadaveric materials led us to devise a simple yet effective way of training technique for grommet insertion, utilizing “stretched surgical glove piece over an ear speculum”.

An observational study was undertaken in our department to assess utility of this technique in training ten trainees. They reported subjective improvement in manual dexterity during performing myringotomy as well as mounting, manipulating and inserting the grommet during actual surgery.

Our innovation is cheap, reliable and readily available for training. It closely resembles real-time surgical experience.