Endoscopic myringotomy and ventilation tube placement: A valuable otolaryngologic procedure under topical anesthesia

ABSTRACT

@#Dear Editor Time has proven that endoscopy is generally a safe and effective tool in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. It offers superior visualization with markedly decreased morbidity and mortality. In Otolaryngology, otoendoscopy has been gaining acceptance in providing improved otoscopic visualization and video recording of the tympanic membrane. We describe a technique of myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion under endoscopic visualization using a rigid Hopkins rod scope previously described by other authors based on their accepted clinical guidelines for myringotomy. 1,2 The use of rigid endoscopes provides visualization of the entire tympanic membrane with excellent resolution, better fidelity of color with a well-angled or side-to-side vision. The procedure is generally safe, convenient and can be performed in an out-patient setting. Correspondingly, the video recordings could improve disease documentation for baseline and post-myringotomy evaluation. They can also be a tool to enable better understanding for patients.