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.

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.

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.

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.

The Effect of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty on Cochlear Function

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective clinical study was to measure the audiologic outcomes of the patients that underwent endoscopic transcanal cartilage tympanoplasty, and to investigate the effects on cochlear function. METHODS: Thirty-three patients (33 ears) who were diagnosed with noncomplicated chronic otitis media and underwent endoscopic transcanal cartilage tympanoplasty technique were included. Pre- and postoperative first month distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), bone conduction hearing levels and air bone gap (ABG) values were measured and total endoscope usage time was noted. RESULTS: Preoperative median SNR measurements at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were 6 dB (1–11; interquartile range [IQR], 1), 6 dB (4–20; IQR, 1), 7 dB (3–26; IQR, 5) and 5.50 dB (0–9; IQR, 3), respectively. Postoperative median SNR measurements at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were 6 dB (3–9; IQR, 1), 6 dB (2–21; IQR, 3), 7 dB (2–20; IQR, 3), and 6 dB (0–10; IQR, 7), respectively. Regarding the DPOAE measurements, there was no statistically significant difference between the SNR values of all given frequencies (P>0.05). Regarding the pure tone audiometry (PTA) measurements, bone conduction was significantly better at 0.5 and 1 kHz, postoperatively (P 0.05). Additionally, no statistically significant correlation was found between the SNR and PTA measurements and the endoscope usage time (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: We suggested that cochlear functions and sensorineural hearing remained stable after endoscopic transcanal cartilage tympanoplasty and cold light source doesn’t cause significant adverse effects cochlear functions.

Minimally Invasive Transcanal Removal of Attic Cholesteatoma / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In treating attic cholesteatoma, traditional microscopic approach provides limited exposure to the attic space. Recently, the use of endoscope has emerged as a new treatment option for attic cholesteatoma. The aim of this study is to report the preliminary results of transcanal endoscopic removal of attic cholesteatoma and to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic approach to attic cholesteatoma. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Six patients with attic cholesteatoma were enrolled in this study from Sep 2014 to Oct 2015. Cholesteatoma was removed via transcanal endoscopic approach. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, surgical management and treatment outcomes. RESULTS: All patients had attic cholesteatoma in the epitympanic space with scutum erosion. However, the disease was restricted to the epitympanic space in three patients, whereas a limited extension of cholesteatoma to the aditus ad antrum was observed in two patients, and mesotympanum was involved in the remaining one patient. All of the patients suffered from conductive or mixed hearing loss with mean air-bone gap of 17.4 dB, and underwent endoscopic transcanal removal of cholesteatoma and scutoplasty. In three patients, the incus and malleus head were removed due to ossicular erosion, and a second-stage ossicular reconstruction was planned. No residual or recurrent diseases were noted during the follow-up period (mean: 13 months). No surgical complications were observed postoperatively, and favorable hearing outcome was obtained in all patients. CONCLUSION: Transcanal endoscopic approach was successfully performed in patients with limited attic cholesteatoma. Further studies involving a large number of patients with long-term follow-ups are necessary to prove the clinical efficacy of transcanal endoscopic approach in managing limited attic cholesteatoma.

Beneficios del abordaje endoscópico en miringoplastias / Endoscopic approach benefits in myringoplasties / Benefícios da abordagem endoscópica em miringoplastias

Introducción: la fisiopatología de las otitis medias crónicas simples está en estrecha relación con las rutas de ventilación del sistema tubo tímpano mastoideo, el cual tiene diversos estrechamientos o istmos que son suceptibles de presentar bloqueos de múltiples causas; por lo tanto es necesario que durante la resolución quirúrgica de esta patología se realice sistemáticamente la revisión de dichas rutas de ventilación. Objetivo: Demostrar los beneficios de la cirugía endoscópica de oído en la realización de miringoplastias. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico. Revisión de historias clínicas. Resultados: Se realizaron 54 miringoplastias mediante abordaje endoscópico transcanal con la correspondiente exploración de rutas de ventilación. Se evidenciaron 7,4% de casos con bloqueos en los diferentes diafragmas epitimpánicos. El porcentaje de reperforaciones fue del 9,25%. Conclusiones: Si bien la técnica de posicionamiento del injerto es similar a la utilizada tradicionalmente, en el presente estudio se evidenció un leve incremento del índice de reperforaciones a expensas del uso de pericondrio. El uso de técnica endoscópica en miringoplastia presenta una tasa de reperforación comparable a la de la biblografía actual, por lo tanto el principal beneficio sería la detección de bloqueos en las rutas de ventilación del oído medio.

Introduction: the pathophysiology of chronic otitis media simple is closely related with routes of ventilation of the tube tympanum mastoid system, which has several constrictions or istmus that are susceptible to have obstructions of multiple causes, therefore it is necessary that during the surgical resolution of this pathology the review of ventilation routes are systematically performed. Objective: To demonstrate the benefits of endoscopic ear surgery in the performance of myringoplasty. Material and methods: Multi-centre descriptive study, clinical histories review. Results: 54 cases of myringoplasty were performed using a transcanal endoscopic approach with ventilation routes exploration. 7,4% of cases presented blocks in the different epytimpanic diaphragms and the reperforation cases represented 9,25%. Conclusions: Although the technique of positioning the graft is the same as that traditionally used, in the present study there was a slight increase in the index of reperforation at the expense of perichondrium use. The use of endoscopic technique in myringoplasty has an index of reperforation comparable to the current bibliography. Therefore the main benefit would be the detection of blockages in the routes of ventilation in the middle ear.

Introdução: a fisiopatologia da otite média crônica simple esta estreitamente em relação com o sistema de ventilação mastóide tímpanico , que tem várias constrições ou istmos que são suscetíveis de apresentar fechaduras de múltiplas causas , portanto, é necessário que, durante a resolução cirúrgica desta patología a revisão das vias de ventilação seja realizada de forma sistemática. Objectivo: Demostrar os benefícios da cirurgia endoscópica na realização de miringoplastias. Material e métodos: Estudo descritivo multicenter, revisão de prontuários médicos. Resultados: 58 miringoplastias foram realizadas utilizando a abordagem endoscópica trasncanal com a correspondente exploração de rutas de ventilação. Em 7,4 % dos casos com bloqueios em os diferentes diafragmas epitimpánicos e o percentual de reperforaçoes foi de 9,25%. Conclusões: Enquanto a técnica de posicionamento de enxerto e semelhante aquela usada tradicionalmente, no presente estudo a um ligeiro aumento no índice de reperforaçoes a custa de usar pericondrio. A utilização da técnica endoscópica em miringoplastias tem una taxa de reperforação comparável com a bibliografia corrente, por conseguinte a principal vantagem seria a de detectar bloqueios nas rutas de ventilação do ouvido medio.

Disección cadavérica endoscópica de oído medio / Endoscopic cadaver dissection of middle ear / Dissecção endoscópica de orelha média em cadáveres

El avance tecnológico en los últimos tiempos ha permitido la creación de nuevos abordajes quirúrgicos. En este sentido surge el endoscopio como elemento capaz de ofrecer una gran visualización de los diferentes accidentes anatómicos de la cavidad timpánica sin necesidad de resecar tejido óseo circundante, ofreciendo de alguna manera la posibilidad de resolver patologías otológicas mediante un abordaje mínimamente invasivo. En este trabajo se demuestran los diferentes pasos de la disección cadavérica endoscópica de oído con el fin de facilitar al cirujano en formación el inicio en la materia.

Technological advances during the last time have enabled the creation of new surgical approaches. Endoscopic surgery comes out in this sense as an element capable of offering great visualisation of the different anatomical structures within the tympanic cavity without the need of removing surrounding bone structure bringing the possibility of treating otological pathology with a minimum invasive approach. In this paper the different steps to cadaveric disection are shown in order to initiate the novel surgeon in the subject.

O avanço tecnológico nos últimos tempos tem permitido a criação de novas abordagens cirúrgicas. Neste sentido surge o endoscópio como elemento capaz de oferecer uma visualização de diferentes acidentes anatômicos da cavidade timpânica sem necessidade de ressecar tecido ósseo circundante, oferecendo de alguma maneira a possibilidade de resolver patologias otológicas usando uma abordagem minimamente invasiva. Neste trabalho se mostra as diferentes etapas da dissecção endoscópica de ouvido com o fim de facilitar o cirurgião em formação o início na matéria.

Endoscopic Treatment of Middle Ear Myoclonus with Stapedius and Tensor Tympani Section: A New Minimally-Invasive Approach.

Aims: We describe a new, entirely endoscopic surgical technique for treatment of middle ear myoclonus. Case Presentation: In our patient, the stapedius and tensor tympani tendons were sectioned to control chronic middle ear myoclonus. The procedure was performed using endoscopic ear surgery techniques, with the aid of rigid Hopkins rod endoscopes. Control of the pulsatile tinnitus was achieved after endoscopic tenotomy of the stapedius and tensor tympani, without any complications. Discussion and Conclusion: Endoscopic tensor tympani and stapedius tendon section is a new, minimally invasive treatment option for middle ear myoclonus that should be considered as a first line surgical approach in patients who fail medical therapy. The use of an endoscopic approach allows for easier access and vastly superior visualization of the relevant anatomy, which in turn allows the surgeon to minimize dissection of healthy tissue for exposure. The entire operation, including raising the tympanomeatal flap and tendon section can be safely completed under visualization with a rigid endoscope with good control of the pulsatile tinnitus.