External Auditory Canal: Computed Tomography Analysis and Classification

Abstract Introduction Computed tomography (CT) details of the external auditory canal (EAC) are not fully covered in the literature, so building up base for the CT evaluation and description is important. Preoperative details of the EAC are mandatory before any approach or procedure involving the canal. Objective To determine the different dimensions, measurements, and grading of the EAC by CT scan that were not previously published. Methods The CTscans of 100 temporal bones (200 sides) were included. Axial images were acquired with multiplanar reformates to obtain delicate details in coronal and sagittal planes for all subjects. Results At the EAC entry, the mean vertical length (height) was 7.75 ± 1 mm, and its mean horizontal length (width) was 6.1 ±0.8. At the bony cartilaginous junction of the EAC, the mean vertical length was 7.88 ±1 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 6.22 ± 0.9. At the EAC isthmus, the mean vertical length was 6.8 ± 0.97 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 5.2 ± 0.76. At the medial end of the EAC, the mean vertical length was 7.1 ±0.9 mm, and its mean horizontal length was 5.4 ± 0.85. There were no reported significant differences between right and left sides in all dimensions. Males showed significantly longer vertical and horizontal dimensions of the EAC entry, vertical dimension of the isthmus, and vertical dimension of the medial end of the EAC than females. Conclusion This study improves otologists and radiologists' awareness of EAC variations in the ear field and can be of help to residents in training.

Acceptance of Endoscopes in Otology - An Indian Perspective and Review of the Literature

Abstract Introduction The role of endoscopes in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) field has been described since the 1980s; It started with endoscopic nasal surgeries, followed by otological and laryngological procedures, and, since then, it has experienced a rapid evolution. Endoscopes help otologists understand how to approach difficult areas of middle ear, as well as the physiology of middle ear cleft. Objectives Despite the introduction of endoscopes in the field of otology, microscopes are still widely used in clinics and in operation theaters either alone or with endoscopes. The present study, which was conducted amongst otologists in India, is on their experience with and knowledge of the use of the endoscope compared to microscopes. Methods A Google form-based questionnaire comprising 18 questions was developed and sent online to otologist all over the country. The final dataset included responses from 354 active otologists. Results Out of 354 participants, only 3% had more than 5 years of experience in endoscopic ear surgery (EES), and 16.1% had never worked with an endoscope. Endoscopes were used in clinics and in operation theaters by 74.9% of the participants. Conclusion There has been a rise in the acceptance and use of endoscopes among Indian otologists and otology surgeons in last few decades.

Transmastoid exposure of the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve: an anatomical study,

Abstract Introduction: Compression of the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve by edema has been considered as an important pathology in the majority of the cases of idiopathic facial nerve paralysis. Hence, it is suggested that total decompression of the facial nerve should also include the labyrinthine segment by a middle fossa approach. However, the middle fossa approach requires craniotomy and temporal lobe retraction, which increases the morbidity. The labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve can also be reached through mastoidectomy. However, many ear surgeons are not familiar with this approach due to the lack of anatomical data on this surgical area. Objective: To study the anatomical limitations of decompression of the labyrinthine segment via transmastoid approach. Methods: Complete mastoidectomy was performed in six adult cadavers heads. Dissection was extended in the zygomatic root and posterior bony wall of the external auditory canal to visualize the incudomallear joint completely. The bone between tympanic segment, lateral and superior semicircular canal's ampullas and middle fossa dural plate was removed. Fine dissection was carried out over tympanic segment of the facial nerve in an anterosuperomedial direction the labyrinthine segment was reached. Results: All the mastoids were well pneumatized. Distances between the labyrinthine segment and middle fossa dura, and between the labyrinthine segment and superior semicircular canal, were 2.5 and 4.5mm on average, respectively. In addition, distances between the middle fossa dura and dome of the lateral semicircular canal, and between the middle fossa dura and tympanic segment were 4.6 mm and 4.3 mm on average, respectively. Conclusion: It is possible to expose the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve through mastoidectomy by dissecting the bone in the area between the tympanic segment of the facial nerve, middle fossa dural plate and ampullary ends of the lateral and superior semicircular canals.

Endoscopic-Assisted Canal Wall-up Tympanomastoidectomy for Reduction of Residual Cholesteatoma

Abstract Introduction The treatment of cholesteatoma is generally surgical, and the major obstacle is the high prevalence of recidivism. The endoscopic ear surgery technique is proposed to minimize this problem. Objectives To utilize endoscopes to visualize and manipulate cholesteatoma residues after microscopic removal Methods Cross-sectional study. Thirty-two patients with cholesteatoma underwent microscopic wall-up mastoidectomy combined with the endoscopic approach. The subjects were assessed for the presence and location of covert disease. Results Of the 32 cases, 17 (53.12%) had residual cholesteatoma in the endoscopic phase. Minimal disease was found, usually fragments of the cholesteatoma matrix. Pars tensa cholesteatomas had more covert disease than pars flaccida cholesteatomas (62.50% vs 43.75%). Posterior recesses (47.05%) and tegmen tympani (41.17%) were the locations with more covert disease (p< 0.05). Conclusion Cholesteatomas of the pars tensa presented more residual disease and were significantly more common in the posterior recesses and tegmen tympani.

O uso do retalho de fáscia parietotemporal no tratamento do colesteatoma recidivado: caso clínico / The use of parietotemporal fascia flap in the treatment of recurrent cholesteatoma: clinical case

O colesteatoma consiste em um processo inflamatório que resulta na migração do epitélio escamoso queratinizado para o ouvido médio. Embora considerada uma entidade histopatologicamente benigna, pode se comportar de forma bastante agressiva sendo uma importante causa de surdez em todos os países. Descarga, dor, ruptura do tímpano com extensão para o ouvido interno levando à surdez e vertigem, são as manifestações clínicas mais comuns. O tratamento consiste na excisão cirúrgica de todo o epitélio estranho da orelha média. As recorrências podem chegar a 50% e são um desafio para os médicos de ouvido, nariz e garganta. Neste relato de caso descrevemos um caso de colesteatoma recorrente adquirido em um hospital terciário em Portugal, tratado com ablação radical de ouvido médio e cavidade mastóide pelos médicos otorrinolaringologistas. A opção reconstrutiva escolhida foi a obliteração do espaço morto com retalho fascial temporo-parietal pelo Serviço de Cirurgia Plástica.

Cholesteatoma consists of an inflmmatory process that results in the migration of squamous keratinized epithelium into the middle ear. Although regarded as a histopathologically benign entity it can behave quite aggressively being an important cause of deafness in all countries. Ear discharge, pain, ear drum rupture with extension into the inner ear leading to deafness and vertigo, are the most common clinical manifestations. Treatment consists of surgically excising all the foreign epithelium from the middle ear. Recurrences can be as high as 50% and are a challenge to Ear, Nose and Throat doctors. In this case report we describe a case of an acquired recurrent cholesteatoma in a tertiary hospital in Portugal, treated with radical ablation of middle ear and mastoid cavity by the otolaryngologists. The chosen reconstructive option was obliteration of the dead space using a temporo-parietal fascial flap by the Plastic Surgery Department

The changes of endotracheal tube intracuff pressures after ear and head and neck surgery-related positions: a prospective observational study / Alterações na pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal após posições cirúrgicas nas cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço: estudo observacional prospectivo

Abstract Introduction The cuff of an endotracheal tube seals the airway to facilitate positive-pressure ventilation and reduce subglottic secretion aspiration. However, an increase or decrease in endotracheal tube intracuff pressure can lead to many morbidities. Objective The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of different head and neck positions on endotracheal tube intracuff pressure during ear and head and neck surgeries. Methods A total of 90 patients undergoing elective right ear (Group 1: n = 30), left ear (Group 2: n = 30) or head and neck (Group 3: n = 30) surgery were involved in the study. A standardized general anesthetic was given and cuffed endotracheal tubes by the assistance of video laryngoscope were placed in all patients. The pilot balloon of each endotracheal tube was connected to the pressure transducer and standard invasive pressure monitoring was set to measure intracuff pressure values continuously. The first intracuff pressure value was adjusted to 18.4 mmHg (25 cm H2O) at supine and neutral neck position. The patients then were given appropriate head and neck positions before related-surgery started. These positions were left rotation, right rotation and extension by under-shoulder pillow with left/right rotation for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The intracuff pressures were measured and noted after each position, at 15th, 30th, 60th, 90th minutes and before the extubation. If intracuff pressure deviated from the targeted value of 20-30 cm H2O at anytime, it was set to 25 cm H2O again. Results The intracuff pressure values were increased from 25 to 26.73 (25-28.61) cm H2O after left neck rotation (p = 0.009) and from 25 to 27.20 (25.52-28.67) cm H2O after right neck rotation (p = 0.012) in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. In Group 3, intracuff pressure values at the neutral position, after extension by under-shoulder pillow and left or right rotation were 25, 29.41 (27.02-36.94) and 34.55 (28.43-37.31) cm H2O, respectively. There were significant differences between the neutral position and extension by under-shoulder pillow (p < 0.001), and also between neutral position and rotation after extension (p < 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant increase of intracuff pressure between extension by under-shoulder pillow and neck rotation after extension positions (p = 0.033). Conclusion Accessing the continuous intracuff pressure value measurements before and during ear and head and neck surgeries is beneficial to avoid possible adverse effects/complications of surgical position-related pressure changes.

Resumo Introdução O manguito ou cuff de um tubo endotraqueal sela as vias aéreas para facilitar a ventilação com pressão positiva e reduzir a aspiração de secreção subglótica. Entretanto, o aumento ou diminuição da pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal pode levar a muitas morbidades. Objetivo Investigar o efeito de diferentes posições da cabeça e pescoço da pressão intracuff do tubo endotraqueal durante cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço. Método Participaram do estudo 90 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia eletiva na orelha direita (Grupo 1: n = 30), orelha esquerda (Grupo 2: n = 30) ou cabeça e pescoço (Grupo 3: n = 30). Um anestésico geral padronizado foi administrado e o tubo endotraqueal com cuff foi colocado em todos os pacientes através de videolaringoscopia. O balão-piloto de cada tubo endotraqueal foi conectado ao transdutor de pressão e o monitoramento-padrão da pressão invasiva foi estabelecido para medir continuamente os valores da pressão intracuff. O primeiro valor de pressão intracuff foi ajustado para 18,4 mmHg (25 cm H2O) na posição supina e neutra do pescoço. Em seguida, os pacientes foram colocados nas posições cirúrgicas apropriadas de cabeça e pescoço antes do início da cirurgia. Essas posições foram rotação esquerda, rotação direita e extensão por rotação esquerda/direita com almofada sob o ombro, para os grupos 1, 2 e 3, respectivamente. As pressões intracuff s foram medidas e anotadas após cada posição, aos 15, 30, 60, 90 minutos e antes da extubação. Se a pressão intracuff saísse do valor desejado de 20 ~ 30 cm H2O a qualquer momento, ela era definida em 25 cm H2O novamente. Resultados Os valores de pressão intracuff aumentaram de 25 para 26,73 (25-28,61) cm H2O após a rotação do pescoço para a esquerda (p = 0,009) e de 25 a 27,20 (25,52-28,67) cm H2O após rotação do pescoço para a direita (p = 0,012) nos grupos 1 e 2, respectivamente. No Grupo 3, os valores da pressão intracuff na posição neutra, após extensão com almofada sob o ombro e rotação para a esquerda ou direita, foram 25, 29,41 (27,02-36,94) e 34,55 (28,43-37,31) cm H2O, respectivamente. Houve diferenças significativas entre a posição neutra e a extensão com almofada sob o ombro (p < 0,001) e também entre a posição neutra e a rotação após a extensão (p < 0,001). Entretanto, não houve aumento estatisticamente significante da pressão intracuff entre extensão com almofada sob o ombro e rotação do pescoço após as posições de extensão (p = 0,033). Conclusão As medições contínuas do valor da pressão intracuff antes e durante cirurgias de orelha e cabeça e pescoço são benéficas para evitar possíveis efeitos adversos/complicações de alterações de pressão relacionadas à posição cirúrgica.

Comparison of palonosetron-dexamethasone and ondansetron-dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in middle ear surgery: a randomized clinical trial / Comparação entre palonosetrona-dexametasona e ondansetrona-dexametasona na prevenção de náuseas e vômitos no pós-operatório de cirurgia do ouvido médio: estudo clínico randomizado

Abstract Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting is the second most common complaint in the postoperative period after pain. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 60-80% in middle ear surgeries in the absence of antiemetic prophylaxis. Because of this high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, we aimed to assess the effect of palonosetron-dexamethasone and ondansetron-dexamethasone combination for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients of middle ear surgery. Methods: Sixty-four patients, scheduled for middle ear surgery, were randomized into two groups to receive the palonosetron-dexamethasone and ondansetron-dexamethasone combination intravenously before induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia technique was standardized in all patients. Postoperatively, the incidences and severity of nausea and vomiting, the requirement of rescue antiemetic, side effects and patient satisfaction score were recorded. Results: Demographics were similar in the study groups. The incidence difference of nausea was statistically significant between groups O and P at a time interval of 2-6 hours only (p = 0.026). The incidence and severity of vomiting were not statistically significant between groups O and P during the whole study period. The overall incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (0-24 hours postoperatively) was 37.5% in group O and 9.4% in group P (p = 0.016). Absolute risk reduction with palonosetron-dexamethasone was 28%, the relative risk reduction was 75%, and the number-needed-to-treat was 4. The patient's satisfaction score was higher in group P than group O (p = 0.016). The frequency of rescue medication was more common in group O than in group P patients (p = 0.026). Conclusion: The combination of palonosetron-dexamethasone is superior to ondansetron-dexamethasone for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting after middle ear surgeries.

Resumo Justificativa: Náusea e vômito no pós-operatório é a segunda queixa pós-operatória mais frequente após a dor. Sem profilaxia antiemética, a incidência de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório foi de 60−80% após cirurgia do ouvido médio. Dada a alta incidência relatada de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório, nosso objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da combinação de palonosetrona-dexametasona e ondansetrona-dexametasona na prevenção de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia do ouvido médio. Método: Sessenta e quatro pacientes programados para cirurgia de ouvido médio foram aleatoriamente divididos em dois grupos. Um recebeu a combinação de palonosetrona-dexametasona (grupo P) e o outro ondansetrona-dexametasona (grupo O) por via intravenosa antes da indução anestésica. A técnica anestésica foi padronizada em todos os pacientes. No pós-operatório, foram registradas incidência e gravidade das náuseas e vômitos, necessidade de antiemético de resgate, efeitos colaterais e índice de satisfação dos pacientes. Resultados: As características demográficas foram semelhantes nos grupos estudados. A diferença na incidência de náusea foi estatisticamente significante entre os grupos O e P apenas no intervalo de tempo entre 2 e 6 horas (p = 0,026). A incidência e gravidade de vômito não foram estatisticamente significantes entre os grupos O e P durante todo o período do estudo. A incidência geral de náusea e vômito no pós-operatório (0−24 horas de pós-operatório) foi de 37,5% no grupo O e de 9,4% no grupo P (p = 0,016). A combinação palonosetrona-dexametasona associou-se com redução do risco absoluto de 28%, redução do risco relativo de 75%, e o número necessário para tratar foi 4. O escore de satisfação do paciente foi maior no grupo P (p = 0,016). A frequência da medicação de resgate foi mais comum no grupo O (p = 0,026). Conclusão: A combinação de palonosetrona-dexametasona é superior à ondansetrona-dexametasona na prevenção da náusea e vômito no pós-operatório após cirurgia de ouvido médio.

Endoscopic evaluation of middle ear anatomic variations in autopsy series: analyses of 204 ears / Avaliação endoscópica das variações anatômicas da orelha média em uma série de autópsias: análise de 204 orelhas

Abstract Introduction Microsurgery of the ear requires complete evaluation of middle ear surgical anatomy, especially the posterior tympanic cavity anatomy. Preoperative assessment of the middle ear cavity is limited by the permeability of eardrum and temporal bone density. Therefore, middle ear exploration is an extremely useful method to identify structural abnormalities and anatomical variations. Objective The aim of this study is to determine anatomic variations of the middle ear in an autopsy series. Methods All evaluations were performed in the Forensic Medicine Institute Morgue Department. The cases over 18 years of age, with no temporal bone trauma and history of otologic surgery included in this study. Results One hundred and two cadavers were included in the study. The mean age was 49.08 ± 17.76 years. Anterior wall prominence of the external auditory canal was present in 27 of all cadavers (26.4%). The tympanic membrane was normal in 192 ears (94%) while several eardrum pathologies were detected in 12 ears (6%). Agenesis of the pyramidal eminence and stapedial tendon was found in 3 ears. While the ponticulus was bony ridge-shaped in 156 of 204 ears (76.4%), it was bridge-shaped in 25 ears (12.3%). The ponticulus was absent in 23 ears (11.3%). While complete subiculum was present in 136 of all ears (66.7%), incomplete subiculum was present in 21 ears (10.3%). Subiculum was absent in 47 ears (23%). Facial dehiscence was found in 32 ears and the round window niche was covered by a pseudomembrane in 85 ears (41.6%). A fixed footplate was present in 7.4% of all ears, and no persistent stapedial artery was seen in any cases. Conclusion The pseudomembrane frequency covering the round window niche was found different from reports in the literature. In addition, the frequency of the external auditory canal wall prominence has been reported for the first time.

Resumo Introdução A otomicrocirurgia requer avaliação completa da anatomia cirúrgica da orelha média, especialmente da anatomia da cavidade timpânica posterior. A avaliação pré-operatória da cavidade timpânica é limitada pela permeabilidade do tímpano e densidade do osso temporal. Portanto, a exploração da orelha média é um método extremamente útil para identificar anormalidades estruturais e variações anatômicas. Objetivo Determinar as variações anatômicas da orelha média em uma série de autópsias. Método Todas as avaliações foram realizadas no necrotério do Instituto Médico-Legal. Os casos com mais de 18 anos, sem trauma do osso temporal e história de cirurgia otológica foram incluídos neste estudo. Resultados Cento e dois cadáveres foram incluídos no estudo. A média de idade foi de 49,08 ± 17,76 anos. A proeminência da parede anterior do conduto auditivo externo estava presente em 27 de todos os cadáveres (26,4%). A membrana timpânica era normal em 192 orelhas (94%), enquanto várias alterações do tímpano foram detectadas em 12 orelhas (6%). Agenesia da eminência piramidal e do tendão do estapédio foi encontrada em 3 orelhas. Enquanto o pontículo tinha formato de crista óssea em 156 das 204 orelhas (76,4%), tinha o formato de ponte em 25 orelhas (12,3%). O pontículo estava ausente em 23 orelhas (11,3%). Enquanto o subículo completo estava presente em 136 de todas as orelhas (66,7%), encontrava-se incompleto em 21 orelhas (10,3%). O subículo estava ausente em 47 orelhas (23%). Deiscência facial foi encontrada em 32 orelhas e o nicho da janela redonda estava coberto por uma pseudomembrana em 85 orelhas (41,6%). A platina fixa foi observada em 7,4% de todas as orelhas e a artéria estapediana persistente não foi vista. Conclusão A frequência da pseudomembrana que cobre o nicho da janela redonda foi diferente daquela encontrada na literatura. Além disso, a frequência da proeminência da parede do canal auditivo externo foi relatada pela primeira vez.

Assessment of Post-Operative Hearing Loss after Middle Ear Surgery: A Prospective Study

Background: At the end of surgery for chronic ear disease,various forms of packing have been applied to the externalauditory canal (EAC) and the middle ear cavity (MEC). Hence;under the light of above mentioned data, we planned thepresent study to assess post-operative hearing loss aftermiddle ear surgery.Materials & Methods: The present study involved assessmentof postoperative hearing loss in patients undergoing middle earsurgeries. A total of 30 patients scheduled to undergo middleear surgery were included in the present study. Middle earsurgeries were carried out under the hands of skilled andexperienced ENT surgeons. Postoperative middle earfunctioning was assessed using a pure tone audiogram. All thereadings were obtained after one week of surgery. All theresults were recorded in Microsoft excel sheet and wereanalyzed by SPSS software.Results: Hearing loss and Otorrhoea were the most commonpreoperative symptoms found to be present in the presentstudy. In majority of the patients (83.3 %), postoperativehearing improvement was within the normal range.Conclusion: Early identification of the patients with developingpost-operative sensorineural hearing loss should be done assoon as possible so that prompt treatment could be initiated.

Assessment of Efficacy of Nalbuphine and Dexmedetomidine versus Nalbuphine and Propofol in Middle Ear Surgeries under Monitored Anaesthesia Care: A Comparative Study

Background: For middle ear surgery, familiarity with theinterrelationships of the anatomical structures is as essential asknowledge of their individual morphology, as surgery isstrongly influenced by the close spatial relations between thedifferent components. In the present study, we assessed andcompared the efficacy of nalbuphine and dexmedetomidineversus nalbuphine and propofol in middle ear surgeries undermonitored anaesthesia care.Materials & Methods: A total of 40 patients scheduled toundergo MESs were included in the present study and werebroadly divided into two categories as follows: Group 1:Included patients who received injection dexmedetomidinealong with nalbuphine (intravenously), Group 2: Includedpatients who received injection propofol along with nalbuphine(intravenously). Visual analogue score (VAS) was used forassessing the intraoperative and postoperative pain. Recoveryto be assessed using Modified Aldrete scoring system (scoreranging from 0 to 10) in the recovery room every 5 min, tillscore of 10 was achieved. Adverse events were recorded. Bothpatient satisfaction score (PSS) and surgeon satisfaction score(SSS) were recorded on a scale on 1 to 7; with 1 indicatingextremely dissatisfied and 7 indicating extremely satisfied.Results: Significant results were obtained while comparing themean VAS, number of patients with PSS of 5 to 7 and numberof patients with SSS of 5 to 7 in between the two study groups.Non-significant results were obtained while comparing theincidence of complications between the two study groups.Conclusion: In patients undergoing middle ear surgeries,Nalbuphine/ dexmedetomidine appeared to be significantlymore effective combination in comparison to the nalbuphine/propofol combination.

Temporal bone anatomy via transcanal endoscopy / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Based on anatomy and clinical operation, this article discussed the anatomical structure of temporal bone and its contiguous relationship under oto-endoscope, through two approaches: the natural external auditory canal and the enlarged external auditory canal. To give an account of the anatomical characteristics of temporal bone under oto-endoscope.

Perioperative management of endoscopic ear surgery / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

With the rapid development of modern equipment and widespread familiarity with the relative knowledge, endoscopic ear surgery has attracted many oto-surgeons and is becoming more popular in primary hospitals in China. Standardized management of perioperative period in this field can help surgeons shorten the learning curve and avoid potential complications in endoscopic ear surgery. In this article, the management technique was introduced in detail, covering five main aspects including handling of related in-struments, preoperative examination and preparation, informed consent, preparation for patients and operation room setup. Extra focus was placed on the manipulation and resolution of possible difficulties during the procedure.

Progress in middle ear dysventilation research / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Disfunction of Eustachian tube will cause negative pressure of middle ear, which may result in tympanic membrane retraction pocket. Severe pocket can consequently cause cholesteatoma. In clinical practice it is not uncommon to find a cholesteatoma limited to epitympanum, with an otherwise normal pars tensa and mesotympanum. This review explains the theory of "selective epitympanic dysventilation syndrome" developed by endoscopic technique. In the majority of the patients, the only ventilation pathway to the epitympanum is through the tympanic isthmus. Even if Eustachian tube function has recovered, an isthmus blockage with selective epitympanic dysventilation may lead to common attic cholesteatoma.

Clinical application of endoscope combined with microscope for the microvascular decompression in hemifacial spasm / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the endoscope combined with microscope for the microvascular decompression in hemifacial spasm.@*Methods@#A total of 26 patients underwent endoscope combined with microscopic facial nerve microvascular decompression through retrolabyrinthine approach from January 2013 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed in Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine. Among them, 9 were male and 17 were female, with a mean age of (51.9±11.4) years;15 cases of left side and 11 of right side patients were followed up for 1-3 years. The pre-and post-operative Cohen Classification was used for hemifacial spasm, House-Brackmann Grade for facial nerve function, hearing level and complication rates were reviewed. SPSS 19.0 software was used to analyze the data.@*Results@#All 26 patients were operated successfully. No recurrence was seen during 1-3 year follow-up. Post-operative Cohen Grade were as follows: 25 cases with Cohen Grade I and 1 case with Cohen Grade II. The difference in Cohen grade between pre-and post-operative was statistically significant (Z=-4.87, P<0.01). Post-operative facial nerve function was satisfactory in all patients (House-Brackmann Grade I-II in all patients). No hearing loss was observed. No facial paralysis and other lower cranial nerve dysfunction were observed. No postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred.@*Conclusions@#Using an angled endoscope combined with microscope in microvascular decompression in hemifacial spasmis is safe and effective.

Evaluation of the safety and effect of the endoscopic stapes surgery: a multi-center study / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the safety of endoscopic stapes surgery, and to compare the results with stapes surgery under microscopic approach.@*Methods@#This was a retrospective study. One hundred and thirty seven patients from Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan University and other seven hospitals were enrolled in this study. Eighty eight patients, in whom 29 were male, and 59 were female, aged from 29 to 66 years old, with an average of 40.1±10.7, underwent endoscopic stapedotomy and 49 patients, in whom 17 were male, and 33 were female, aged from 32 to 64 yeas old, with an arerage of 38.7±9.2, underwent microscopic stapedotomy for otosclerosis. Interventions included endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgeries. Main outcome measures consisted of operating time, preoperative and postoperative hearing, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications. SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyzed the date (t test and χ2 test) .@*Results@#Patients in the group who underwent endoscopic stapes surgery showed a mean operative time of (74.1±26.0) min. Patients in the group treated by microscopic approach had a mean operative time (66.5±15.9) min. Statistical difference was evident (t=1.279, P<0.05) . The average operative time of endoscopic surgery became shorter as the cases increased. The average duration of the last 10 cases was shorter than that of the first 10 cases in both groups. The differences were significant (t value was 3.028, 3.610, both P<0.05). No statistical difference was found in air conduction threshold improvement (t=1.074, P=0.289) , air-bone gap closure (t=-0.135, P=0.893) and bone conduction improvement (t=1.222, P=0.228) between the two groups. No difference regarding the incidence of the postoperative complications (chorda tympanum damage: 6 cases vs 2 cases, χ2=0.08,P>0.05; vertigo:18 cases vs 9 cases,χ2=0.09, P>0.05; facial paralysis: 0 case vs 0 case) between the two groups was found.@*Conclusion@#Audiological outcomes achieved by endoscopic surgery are similar to the results obtained through a microscopic approach. Endoscopic stapes surgery is safe.

A multi-center retrospective study of ossiculoplasty surgery under oto-endoscope in 45 cases of conductive hearing loss with intact tympanic membrane / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To explore the efficacy of ossiculoplasty surgery under oto-endoscope in patients of conductive hearing loss with intact tympanic membrane.@*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted. The clinical data of 45 patients with conductive hearing loss who had undergone simple ossiculoplasty surgery between October 2015 and December 2017 from five hospitals in China (West China Hospital of Sichuan University, General Hospital of the People′s Liberation Army, Shanghai Ninth People′s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University and Shenzhen Sixth People′s Hospital) were collected. There were 28 males and 17 females, with the age ranging from 12 to 69 years old. The tympanic membranes of those patients were intact before surgery. The lesion only occurred in the ossicular chain from CT and intraoperative exploration. The cases of otosclerosis, tympanosclerosis, cholesteatoma of middle ear, chronic suppurative otitis media, and tumor of middle ear were excluded. The postoperative complications, hearing improvements and operation time were observed. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistic analysis.@*Results@#There was neither sensorineural hearing loss nor facial paralysis after surgery in this group. Seven patients had transient mild tinnitus after surgery and gradually relieved during the follow-up period. Nine patients developed dysgeusia after surgery. Two patients developed dizziness after surgery, and the symptoms were mild and relieved during 1 week without special intervention. The air-bone gap (ABG) range of pre-operation was 22.5-45.7 dB, and the average ABG was (25.3±8.6) dB. The ABG range in the third month after surgery was 5.7-26.8 dB, and the average ABG was (9.3±8.6) dB. The mean value of ABG was significantly lower in the third month after surgery compared with that of pre-operation (t=2.31, P<0.05). The operation time of the surgeons in each research center was similar. The overall average of operation time was (43.56±18.25) min. There was no significant difference in the duration of operation between the centers (F=3.26, P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#The ossiculoplasty surgery under oto-endoscope has good efficacy.

Management of 242 patients with middle ear cholesteatoma by otoendoscopic surgery and the postoperative effect analysis / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To summarize and discuss the characteristics of endoscopic approach to manage the middle ear cholesteatoma, and to evaluate the operative safety and outcomes based on the data from the multicenter study.@*Methods@#The data of 242 cases diagnosed with the middle ear cholesteatoma and received operation through endoscopic approach between June 2016 and June 2017 in six tertiary hospitals in China were analyzed in this work. There were 130 males and 112 females, with the age ranging from 3 to 72 years old. We evaluated the strategy about how to manage the cholesteatoma, discussed the detailed techniques about how to remove the cholesteatoma and to improve the efficiency under endoscopic visualization. Meanwhile, the recurrence rate and residual rate of cholesteatoma as well as the complications in endoscopic approach were summarized.@*Results@#A total of 158 cases were operated in exclusively endoscopic transcanal approach, 72 cases operated in combined approach, and 12 cases operated majorly under microscope and minorly under endoscope. 219 cases were operated in one stage surgery, 23 cases received second look. In the second look, 3 cases were detected with residual cholesteatomas. Among them, 2 cases were found by MRI-DWI examination after the first-stage operation. With endoscopic examination after operation, 17 cases showed retracted pocket recurrence (7%,17/242). With introduction of endoscope in cholesteatoma, 153 cases were achieved canal wall-up operation (63%, 153/242). The complications in endoscopic approach included chord tympani never injury in 27 cases, skin injury of ear canal in 11 cases, tinnitus in 13 cases, vertigo in 7 cases, external ear canal stenosis in 1 case.@*Conclusions@#Using otoendoscope in cholesteatoma surgery would help keeping the normal structures of middle ear as much as possible, benefit to remove the hiding pathologies, help reducing residual cholesteatoma and lowering the rate of canal wall-down operation as well. This study showed good safety of otoendoscopic cholesteatoma surgery, however, strict evaluation of indication and quite good surgical techniques and skills are necessary for avoiding unexpected complication.

A multi-center clinical retrospective study on the therapeutic effect of endoscopic myringoplasty / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective@#To analyze the therapeutic effect of endoscopic myringoplasty.@*Methods@#A retrospective analysis of 523 patients with chronic otitis media who underwent endoscopic myringoplasty between June 2016 and June 2017 in eight tertiary hospitals in China. Among all the patients, 256 were male and 267 were female, aged from 18 to 68 years old. The grafts used to repair the tympanic membrane were all tragus cartilage-perichondrium complex. All patients were followed up at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months after surgery, at least 3 months. The closure rate of tympanic membrane perforation by different factors, the hearing results, and the incidence of postoperative complications were analyzed. SPSS 21.0 software was used to analyze the data.@*Results@#Three months after operation, the closure rates of anterior, inferior, posterior and subtotal perforation were 92.4% (109/118), 94.9% (93/98), 95.6% (129/135), and 89.0% (153/172) respectively, the difference was not statistically significant (χ2=5.779, P=0.123). The closure rates of small, medium and large perforations were 100.0% (82/82), 93.7% (178/190) and 89.2% (224/251) respectively. The difference was statistically significant (χ2=10.927, P=0.004). The closure rates of dry ear and wet ear tympanic membrane perforation were 93.1% (392/421), 90.2% (92/102), the difference was not statistically significant (χ2=1.011, P=0.915). The preoperative pure tone audiometry(PTA) was (38.4±5.3) dBHL, while, the 3-month postoperative PTA was (25.1±5.7) dBHL. The difference was statistically significant (t=39.079, P<0.001). The preoperative air bone gap (ABG) was (22.4±4.3) dB, while 3 months postoperative ABG was (9.1±3.8) dB. The difference was statistically significant (t=53.004, P<0.001). Of all 523 patients, 14 (2.7%) had middle ear infection, 8 (1.5%) had dislocated tympanic membrane, 12 (2.3%) had parageusia, 35 (6.7%) had tinnitus, 28 (5.4%) had hearing loss, 26 (5.0%) had vertigo,33 (6.3%) had reperforation, 2 (0.4%) had secondary cholesteatoma, and none had facioplegia.@*Conclusions@#Endoscopic myringoplasty is a safe and effective surgical method with good postoperative outcome.

Clinical Efficacy of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty for Large Tympanic Membrane Perforation / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To investigate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic tympanoplasty for chronic suppurative otitis with large tympanic membrane perforation.【Methods】A total of 110 cases（115 ears）which were diagnosed as chronic suppurative otitis with large tympanic membrane perforation were retrospectively collected from May 2017 to Jan 2019. All cases were performed endoscopic tympanoplasty；including removing tympanic lesions，reconstruction of ossicular chain， and myringoplasty with cartilage and perichondrium complex by underlay technique. At the same time of tympanoplasty ， balloon eustachian tuboplasty（BET）was performed in patients who were diagnosed with eustachian tube dysfunction. The graft success rate，pure tone threshold average（PTA）of speech frequency and the air-bone gap（ABG）were assessed at 3 months after surgery.【Results】The primary graft success rate was 95.7%，and the PTA and ABG were（25.7±11.8）dB HL and（13.8 ± 6.9）dB HL，respectively，which showed significant differences compared with pre- operation conditions （P < 0.001）. Furthermore，29 ears which were diagnosed with eustachian tube dysfunction were treated with BET at the same time of tympanoplasty. Compared with simply tympanoplasty （86 ears），no difference was found in primary graft success rate ，PTA and ABG post-operation（P > 0.05）.【Conclusions】 Endoscopic tympanoplasty is an effective surgery，and the cartilage and perichondrium complex is a reliable repair material for large tympanic membrane perforation ，which are both worthy of clinical promotion. Furthermore ，BET at the same time of tympanoplasty could ensure clinical efficacy for the patients with eustachian tube dysfunction.

Noise and Room Acoustic Conditions in a Tertiary Referral Hospital, Seoul National University Hospital

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Noise levels and room acoustic parameters at a tertiary referral hospital, Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) in Korea, are investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through a questionnaire, acoustically problematic rooms are identified. Noise levels in emergency rooms (ERs) and intensive care units (ICUs) are measured over about three days. Acoustically critical and problematic rooms in the otolaryngology department are measured including examination rooms, operating rooms, nurse stations, receptions, and patient rooms. RESULTS: The A-weighted equivalent noise level, L(Aeq), ranges from 54 to 56 dBA, which is at least 10 dB lower than the noise levels of 65 to 73 dBA measured in American ERs. In an ICU, the noise level for the first night was 66 dBA, which came down to 56 dBA for the next day. The noise levels during three different ear surgeries vary from 57 to 62 dBA, depending on the use of surgical drills and suctions. The noise levels in a patient room is found to be 47 dBA, while the nurse stations and the receptions have high noise levels up to 64 dBA. The reverberation times in an operation room, examination room, and single patient room are found to be below 0.6 s. CONCLUSIONS: At SNUH, the nurse stations and receptions were found to be quite noisy. The ERs were quieter than in the previous studies. The measured reverberation times seemed low enough but some other nurse stations and examination rooms were not satisfactory according to the questionnaire.