Middle ear surgery under local anaesthesia and sedation.

BACKGROUND: Middle ear surgical procedures such as myringoplasty, stapedectomy and tympanolasty are traditionally performed under general anaesthesia, with induced hypotension. METHODS: We performed middle ear surgery in 73 patients, without induced hypotension, under local anaesthesia with sedation, and assessed feasibility, safety and acceptability. RESULTS: The operating conditions achieved were good and the complications were minor. None required conversion to general anaesthesia. CONCLUSION: Middle ear surgery under local anaesthesia and sedation is safe and feasible. Prospective trials are needed to fully assess the advantages of this technique over general anaesthesia.