ABSTRACT
The introduction of the microscope to ear surgery by Wullstein has been a transformative event in ear surgery. The ability to visualize disease and anatomy has resulted in more effective surgery and better functional outcomes. Many surgical disciplines have adapted the endoscope as the instrument of choice to access and correct internal pathology without disruption of overlying tissue. Multiple discussions and attempts at using the endoscope in ear surgery over the years have culminated in the development of transcanal endoscopic ear surgery. This article discusses the integration of the endoscope into the practice of otologic surgery.
Subject(s)
Ear, Middle/surgery , Endoscopy/methods , Microscopy/methods , Otologic Surgical Procedures/methods , Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear/surgery , Combined Modality Therapy/methods , Combined Modality Therapy/trends , Humans , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Endoscopic technique in patients undergoing chronic ear surgery allows visualization of protympanic (proximal) segment of the Eustachian tube (ET). The proximal cartilaginous ET is a common site of anatomical Obstruction in chronic otitis media and it is this proximal end of ET that is being observed, instrumented and dilated with transtympanic methods. The aim of this article is to discuss our approach to the assessment of the Eustachian tube using opening pressure measurement, endoscopic assessment of the protympanic segment of ET and Valsalva CT. And also to discuss detailed technique of transtympanic Eustachian tube dilatation.
