Metronome-guided cochlear implantation for slower and smoother insertions of lateral wall electrodes.

INTRODUCTION: Achieving a slow and smooth electrode array insertion is paramount for preserving structural and functional integrity during cochlear implantation. This controlled study evaluates the efficacy of a metronome-guided insertion technique in enhancing the smoothness and speed of electrode array insertions. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery between 2022 and 2023 with lateral wall electrode arrays were included. Metronome guidance was delivered through an acoustic signal via headphones during electrode array insertion in cochlear implantation and compared to a control group without metronome-guidance. RESULTS: In total, 37 cases were evaluated, including 25 conventional insertions and 12 metronome-guided insertions. The results indicate that metronome-guided insertions were significantly slower (- 0.46 mm/s; p < 0.001) without extending the overall procedure time. This can be attributed to fewer paused sections observed in the metronome-guided technique. Moreover, metronome-guided insertions exhibited superior performance in terms of insertion smoothness and a reduced number of re-gripping events. CONCLUSIONS: The findings support the recommendation for the systematic application of metronome guidance in the manual insertion of cochlear implant electrode arrays, emphasizing its potential to optimize surgical outcomes.

Electrically evoked compound action potentials are associated with the site of intracochlear stimulation.

OBJECTIVES: Objective measurements to predict the position of a cochlear electrode during cochlear implantation surgery may serve to improve the surgical technique and postoperative speech outcome. There is evidence that electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAP) are a suitable approach to provide information about the site of stimulation. This study aims to contribute to the knowledge about the association between the intraoperative intracochlear ECAP characteristics and the site of stimulation. METHODS: In a retrospective cohort study, patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery with flexible lateral wall electrode arrays (12 stimulating channels) between 2020 and 2022 were analyzed. The CDL was measured using a CT-based clinical planning software. ECAP were measured for all electrode contacts and associated to the CDL as well as to the site of stimulation in degree. RESULTS: Significant differences among the amplitudes and slopes for the individual stimulated electrode contacts at the stimulation sites of 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°, 450° and 540° were found. The values showed a trend for linearity among the single electrodes. CONCLUSIONS: ECAP characteristics correlate with the electrode's position inside the cochlea. In the future, ECAP may be applied to assess the intracochlear position inside the cochlea and support anatomy-based fitting.

[Providing practical skills in curricular teaching-effect of SkillsLab and flipped classroom]. / Vermittlung praktischer Fähigkeiten in der curricularen Lehre ­ Effekt von SkillsLab und "flipped classroom".

BACKGROUND: In the course of the restructuring of medical studies, practical competencies are clearly defined as learning objectives for the first time. In order to make most effective use of the short attendance time available in otolaryngology, the aim of this study was to teach practical skills with the help of flipped classroom, digital teaching, and a newly established SkillsLab. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During their ENT internship, two groups of students-group A = 93 students (male n = 42, female n = 51) and group B = 113 students (male n = 42, female n = 71)-first worked through material provided online, which explained the individual examinations. This was followed by face-to-face teaching, which consisted of observation and practical exercise of the different examination techniques. While group A practiced on each other or on dummies, group B used structured workstations in the ENT SkillsLab, which was newly built for this purpose. The effects on motivation and subjective competence were measured using a questionnaire developed for this study. RESULTS: After working through the online material, both groups showed a high level of motivation and competence. On the day of face-to-face teaching, there was a gain in motivation and competence, which was statistically significant only in the SkillsLab group (p < 0.001). Although the SkillsLab group was inferior in terms of its subjective competence at the beginning, it was superior to the other group after the face-to-face teaching. CONCLUSION: Combination of digitized teaching in the flipped classroom with structured workstations in the setting of a SkillsLab enables more effective teaching of practical skills, which was reflected by increases in motivation and subjective competence in group B. In particular, the presentation of all collected findings on monitors allows verification of learning success and stimulates discussion.

Comparing linear and non-linear models to estimate the appropriate cochlear implant electrode array length-are current methods precise enough?

PURPOSE: In cochlear implantation with flexible lateral wall electrode arrays, a cochlear coverage (CC) range between 70% and 80% is considered ideal for optimal speech perception. To achieve this CC, the cochlear implant (CI) electrode array has to be chosen according to the individual cochlear duct length (CDL). Here, we mathematically analyzed the suitability of different flexible lateral wall electrode array lengths covering between 70% and 80% of the CDL. METHODS: In a retrospective cross-sectional study preoperative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) from patients undergoing cochlear implantation was investigated. The CDL was estimated using an otosurgical planning software and the CI electrode array lengths covering 70-80% of the CDL was calculated using (i) linear and (ii) non-linear models. RESULTS: The analysis of 120 HRCT data sets showed significantly different model-dependent CDL. Significant differences between the CC of 70% assessed from linear and non-linear models (mean difference: 2.5 mm, p < 0.001) and the CC of 80% assessed from linear and non-linear models (mean difference: 1.5 mm, p < 0.001) were found. In up to 25% of the patients none of the existing flexible lateral wall electrode arrays fit into this range. In 59 cases (49,2%) the models did not agree on the suitable electrode arrays. CONCLUSIONS: The CC varies depending on the underlying CDL approximation, which critically influences electrode array choice. Based on the literature, we hypothesize that the non-linear method systematically overestimates the CC and may lead to rather too short electrode array choices. Future studies need to assess the accuracy of the individual mathematical models.

Performing Repeated Intraoperative Impedance Telemetry Measurements during Cochlear Implantation.

Impedance measurements are routinely performed during cochlear implantation (CI) after finalized electrode insertion. They may allow conclusions on the electrode's and implant's function. In the postoperative setting, the analysis of impedance changes enables the identification of scarring or inflammation processes around the electrode. Recent studies report associations between impedance telemetry and the site of stimulation. Consequently, repeated impedance measurements during cochlear implant electrode insertion may enable objective feedback on whether the electrode is positioned inside the perilymph or outside the inner ear. With the presented novel method, impedances can be measured in real-time during cochlear implantation. This protocol systematically explains how to perform repeated impedance recordings during CI surgery. These repeated measurements are challenging since they depend on multiple intraoperative methodological factors starting with the draping of the patient. Thus, for successful recordings, a standardized procedure is mandatory. In this article, we comprehensively illustrate the system setup and procedure of performing intraoperative measurements during CI surgery.

Accuracy of Preoperative Cochlear Duct Length Estimation and Angular Insertion Depth Prediction.

OBJECTIVE: In cochlear implantation with flexible lateral wall electrodes, a cochlear coverage of 70% to 80% is assumed to yield an optimal speech perception. Therefore, fitting the cochlear implant (CI) to the patient's individual anatomy has gained importance in recent years. For these reasons, the optimal angular insertion depth (AID) has to be calculated before cochlear implantation. One CI manufacturer offers a software that allows to visualize the AID of different electrode arrays. Here, it is hypothesized that these preoperative AID models overestimate the postoperatively measured insertion angle. This study aims to investigate the agreement between preoperatively estimated and postoperatively measured AID. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Single-center tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing cochlear implantation. INTERVENTION: Preoperative and postoperative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The cochlear duct length was estimated by determining cochlear parameters ( A value and B value), and the AID for the chosen electrode was (i) estimated by elliptic circular approximation by the software and (ii) measured manually postoperatively by detecting the electrode contacts after insertion. RESULTS: A total of 80 HRCT imaging data sets from 69 patients were analyzed. The mean preoperative AID estimation was 662.0° (standard deviation [SD], 61.5°), and the mean postoperatively measured AID was 583.9° (SD, 73.6°). In all cases (100%), preoperative AID estimation significantly overestimated the postoperative determined insertion angle (mean difference, 38.1°). A correcting factor of 5% on preoperative AID estimation dissolves these differences. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an electrode visualization tool may lead to shorter electrode array choices because of an overestimation of the insertion angle. Applying a correction factor of 0.95 on preoperative AID estimation is recommended.

[Health-related quality of life in chronic otitis media-measurement methods and their application in surgical therapy]. / Gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität bei der chronischen Otitis media ­ Messmethoden und deren Anwendung bei chirurgischen Therapien.

BACKGROUND: Chronic otitis media (COM) can lead to significant impairment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to symptoms such as otorrhea, pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, or dizziness. A systematic assessment of HRQoL in COM is becoming increasingly important as it complements (semi-)objective outcome parameters in clinical practice and research. HRQoL is measured by means of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). There are two disease-specific validated PROMs available for COM in German-the Chronic Otitis Media Outcome Test (COMOT-15) and the Zurich Chronic Middle Ear Inventory (ZCMEI-21)-which have become increasingly popular in recent years. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this narrative review is to present the current state of research on measuring HRQoL in COM before and after surgical procedures. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Hearing is the most important factor influencing HRQoL in COM. Surgical procedures usually result in a clinically relevant improvement in HRQoL in COM with or without cholesteatoma. However, if cholesteatoma is present, its extent does not correlate with HRQoL. While HRQoL plays a secondary role in establishment of the indication for surgical therapy in COM with cholesteatoma, it plays an important role in terms of relative surgical indications, e.g., a symptomatic open mastoid cavity after resection of the posterior canal wall. We encourage the regular use of disease-specific PROMs preoperatively as well as during follow-up to assess HRQoL in COM in individual patients, in research, and in the context of quality monitoring.

Internal auditory canal volume in normal and malformed inner ears.

PURPOSE: A narrow bony internal auditory canal (IAC) may be associated with a hypoplastic cochlear nerve and poorer hearing performances after cochlear implantation. However, definitions for a narrow IAC vary widely and commonly, qualitative grading or two-dimensional measures are used to characterize a narrow IAC. We aimed to refine the definition of a narrow IAC by determining IAC volume in both control patients and patients with inner ear malformations (IEMs). METHODS: In this multicentric study, we included high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans of 128 temporal bones (85 with IEMs: cochlear aplasia, n = 11; common cavity, n = 2; cochlear hypoplasia type, n = 19; incomplete partition type I/III, n = 8/8; Mondini malformation, n = 16; enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome, n = 19; 45 controls). The IAC diameter was measured in the axial plane and the IAC volume was measured by semi-automatic segmentation and three-dimensional reconstruction. RESULTS: In controls, the mean IAC diameter was 5.5 mm (SD 1.1 mm) and the mean IAC volume was 175.3 mm3 (SD 52.6 mm3). Statistically significant differences in IAC volumes were found in cochlear aplasia (68.3 mm3, p < 0.0001), IPI (107.4 mm3, p = 0.04), and IPIII (277.5 mm3, p = 0.0004 mm3). Inter-rater reliability was higher in IAC volume than in IAC diameter (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.92 vs. 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: Volumetric measurement of IAC in cases of IEMs reduces measurement variability and may add to classifying IEMs. Since a hypoplastic IAC can be associated with a hypoplastic cochlear nerve and sensorineural hearing loss, radiologic assessment of the IAC is crucial in patients with severe sensorineural hearing loss undergoing cochlear implantation.

Volumetry improves the assessment of the vestibular aqueduct size in inner ear malformation.

OBJECTIVES: Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is a common finding associated with inner ear malformations (IEM). However, uniform radiologic definitions for EVA are missing and various 2D-measurement methods to define EVA have been reported. This study evaluates VA volume in different types of IEM and compares 3D-reconstructed VA volume to 2D-measurements. METHODS: A total of 98 high-resolution CT (HRCT) data sets from temporal bones were analyzed (56 with IEM; [cochlear hypoplasia (CH; n = 18), incomplete partition type I (IPI; n = 12) and type II (IPII; n = 11) and EVA (n = 15)]; 42 controls). VA diameter was measured in axial images. VA volume was analyzed by software-based, semi-automatic segmentation and 3D-reconstruction. Differences in VA volume between the groups and associations between VA volume and VA diameter were assessed. Inter-rater-reliability (IRR) was assessed using the intra-class-correlation-coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Larger VA volumes were found in IEM compared to controls. Significant differences in VA volume between patients with EVA and controls (p < 0.001) as well as between IPII and controls (p < 0.001) were found. VA diameter at the midpoint (VA midpoint) and at the operculum (VA operculum) correlated to VA volume in IPI (VA midpoint: r = 0.78, VA operculum: r = 0.91), in CH (VA midpoint: r = 0.59, VA operculum: r = 0.61), in EVA (VA midpoint: r = 0.55, VA operculum: r = 0.66) and in controls (VA midpoint: r = 0.36, VA operculum: r = 0.42). The highest IRR was found for VA volume (ICC = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: The VA diameter may be an insufficient estimate of VA volume, since (1) measurement of VA diameter does not reliably correlate with VA volume and (2) VA diameter shows a lower IRR than VA volume. 3D-reconstruction and VA volumetry may add information in diagnosing EVA in cases with or without additional IEM.

Effect of Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion Depth on Speech Perception Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Objective: The suitable electrode array choice is broadly discussed in cochlear implantation surgery. Whether to use a shorter electrode length under the aim of structure preservation versus choosing a longer array to achieve a greater cochlear coverage is a matter of debate. The aim of this review is to identify the impact of the insertion depth of a cochlear implant (CI) electrode array on CI users' speech perception outcomes. Databases Reviewed: PubMed was searched for English-language articles that were published in a peer-reviewed journal from 1997 to 2022. Methods: A systematic electronic search of the literature was carried out using PubMed to find relevant literature on the impact of insertion depth on speech perception. The review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines of reporting. Studies in both, children and adults with pre- or postlingual hearing loss, implanted with a CI were included in this study. Articles written in languages other than English, literature reviews, meta-analyses, animal studies, histopathological studies, or studies pertaining exclusively to imaging modalities without reporting correlations between insertion depth and speech outcomes were excluded. The risk of bias was determined using the "Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions" tool. Articles were extracted by 2 authors independently using predefined search terms. The titles and abstracts were screened manually to identify studies that potentially meet the inclusion criteria. The extracted information included: the study population, type of hearing loss, outcomes reported, devices used, speech perception outcomes, insertion depth (linear insertion depth and/or the angular insertion depth), and correlation between insertion depth and the speech perception outcomes. Results: A total of 215 relevant studies were assessed for eligibility. Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed further. Seven studies found no significant correlation between insertion depth and speech perception outcomes. Fifteen found either a significant positive correlation or a positive effect between insertion depth and speech perception. Only 1 study found a significant negative correlation between insertion depth and speech perception outcomes. Conclusion: Although most studies reported a positive effect of insertion depth on speech perception outcomes, one-third of the identified studies reported no correlation. Thus, the insertion depth must be considered as a contributing factor to speech perception rather than as a major decisive criterion. Registration: This review has been registered in PROSPERO, the international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42021257547), available at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.

A novel three-step process for the identification of inner ear malformation types.

Objective: We hypothesize that visualizing inner-ear systematically in both cochlear view (oblique coronal plane) and in mid-modiolar section (axial plane) and following three sequential steps simplifies, identification of inner-ear malformation types. Methods: Pre-operative computer-tomography (CT) scans of temporal bones of 112 ears with various inner ear malformation (IEM) types were taken for analysis. Images were analyzed using DICOM viewers, 3D slicer, and OTOPLAN®. The inner-ear was captured in the oblique-coronal plane for the measurement of length and width of cochlear basal turn which is also called as A-, and B-values respectively (Step 1). In the same plane, the angular-turns of lateral-wall (LW) of cochlear basal turn were measured (Step 2). As Step 3, the mid-modiolar section of inner ear was captured in the axial plane by following the A-value and perpendicular to cochlear view. From the mid-modiolar section, the outer-contour of inner ear was captured manually by following contrasting gray area between fluid filled and bony promontory and was compared to known resembling objects to identify IEM types (Step 3). Results: Following reference values have emerged from our analysis: A-, and B-values (Step 1) on average are >8 mm and >5.5 mm respectively, in normal cochleae (NA), enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (EVAS), incomplete partition (IP) type-I and -II, whereas it is <8 mm and <5.5 mm respectively, in IP type-III and cochlear hypoplasia (CH). Angular-turn of LW is consistently observed in cochlear basal turn (Step 2), is 540° in NA and EVAS, 450° in IP-II, and 360° in IP types I & III. In subjects with CH type, angular-turn of LW is either 360° or 450° or 540°. In true mid-modiolar section, outer-contour of inner-ear (Step-3), other than in CH and cystic inner-ear malformations, resembles recognizable shapes of known objects. Absence of EVA is an additional characteristic that confirms diagnosis of CH when the A-, B-values, and angular-turn of LW can be similar to other anatomical types. Drawing a straight line along posterior edge of internal auditory canal (IAC) in axial view can differentiate a true common cavity (CC) from cochlear aplasia-vestibular cavity (VC). Conclusion: Three-step process proposed in this study captures inner-ear in cochlear view as well in mid-modiolar sections visualizing key features of inner-ear in identification of IEM types. Level of Evidence: Level 1.

Cochlear and Vestibular Volumes in Inner Ear Malformations.

A "gold standard" for quantitatively diagnosing inner ear malformations (IEMs) and a consensus on normative measurements are lacking. Reference ranges and cutoff values of inner ear dimensions may add in distinguishing IEM types. This study evaluates the volumes of the cochlea and vestibular system in different types of IEM. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Tertiary academic center. PATIENTS: High-resolution CT scans of 115 temporal bones (70 with IEM; cochlear hypoplasia [CH]; n = 19), incomplete partition (IP) Types I and III (n = 16), IP Type II with an enlarged vestibular aqueduct (Mondini malformation; n = 16), enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (n = 19), and 45 controls. INTERVENTIONS: Volumetry by software-based, semiautomatic segmentation, and 3D reconstruction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences in volumes among IEM and between IEM types and controls; interrater reliability. RESULTS: Compared with controls (mean volume, 78.0 mm3), only CH showed a significantly different cochlear volume (mean volume, 30.2 mm3; p < 0.0001) among all types of IEM. A cutoff value of 60 mm3 separated 100% of CH cases from controls. Compared with controls, significantly larger vestibular system volumes were found in Mondini malformation (mean difference, 22.9 mm3; p = 0.009) and IP (mean difference, 24.1 mm3; p = 0.005). In contrast, CH showed a significantly smaller vestibular system volume (mean difference, 41.1 mm3; p < 0.0001). A good interrater reliability was found for all three-dimensional measurements (ICC = 0.86-0.91). CONCLUSION: Quantitative reference values for IEM obtained in this study were in line with existing qualitative diagnostic characteristics. A cutoff value less than 60 mm3 may indicate an abnormally small cochlea. Normal reference values for volumes of the cochlea and vestibular system may aid in diagnosing IEM.

Systematic Literature Review of Hearing Preservation Rates in Cochlear Implantation Associated With Medium- and Longer-Length Flexible Lateral Wall Electrode Arrays.

Background: The last two decades have demonstrated that preoperative functional acoustic hearing (residual hearing) can be preserved during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. However, the relationship between the electrode array length and postoperative hearing preservation (HP) with lateral wall flexible electrode variants is still under debate. Aims/Objectives: This is a systematic literature review that aims to analyze the HP rates of patients with residual hearing for medium-length and longer-length lateral wall electrodes. Method: A systematic literature review methodology was applied following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) recommendations to evaluate the HP rates of medium-length and longer-length lateral wall electrodes from one CI manufacturer (medium length FLEX 24, longer length FLEX 28 and FLEX SOFT, MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria). A search using search engine PubMed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) was performed using the search terms "hearing preservation" or "residual hearing" and "cochlear implant" in "All fields." Articles published only in English between January 01, 2009 and December 31, 2020 were included in the search. Results: The HP rate was similar between medium-length (93.4%-93.5%) and longer (92.1%-86.8%) electrodes at 4 months (p = 0.689) and 12 months (p = 0.219). In the medium-length electrode group, patients under the age of 45 years had better HP than patients above the age of 45 years. Conclusions: Both medium-length and longer electrode arrays showed high hearing preservation rates. Considering the hearing deterioration over time, implanting a longer electrode at primary surgery should be considered, thus preventing the need for future reimplantation.

[Interactive intraoperative annotation of surgical landmarks in student education to support learning efficiency and motivation]. / Interaktive intraoperative Annotation chirurgischer Anatomie in der studentischen Ausbildung zur Unterstützung der Lerneffizienz und -motivation.

BACKGROUND: The development of technological innovations has not only changed social life and the healthcare system, but also affects medical education. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether students, when observing a microsurgical procedure of the temporal bone, gain an additional understanding of the anatomical structures and surgical site when visualization is used that provides identical views for the surgeon and viewer in 3D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During regular attendance tutorials, students were randomly assigned to three different groups: control group, 2D group, or 3D group. Evaluation questionnaires and intraoperative student annotation of the surgical view were used to assess the subjective didactic value of different visualization formats and resultant learning experiences for the students. RESULTS: A total of 47 students were included in the investigations during conventional attendance tutorials. The majority indicated a high added value of the 3D visualization in terms of method (70%) and vividness (80%) compared to the 2D group and self-study; 69% of the students fully agreed with the statement that 2D and 3D visualization increases learning motivation and is a very good way to improve recognition of anatomical topography and structures. CONCLUSION: New interactive visualization options in teaching promote learning efficiency and motivation among students. Especially 3D visualization and intraoperative annotation of the surgical view by the student is a useful didactic tool and increases the quality of clinical teaching. It supports the perception of anatomical topography and enables more focused surgical training.

Suitable Electrode Choice for Robotic-Assisted Cochlear Implant Surgery: A Systematic Literature Review of Manual Electrode Insertion Adverse Events.

Background and Objective: The cochlear implant (CI) electrode insertion process is a key step in CI surgery. One of the aims of advances in robotic-assisted CI surgery (RACIS) is to realize better cochlear structure preservation and to precisely control insertion. The aim of this literature review is to gain insight into electrode selection for RACIS by acquiring a thorough knowledge of electrode insertion and related complications from classic CI surgery involving a manual electrode insertion process. Methods: A systematic electronic search of the literature was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to find relevant literature on electrode tip fold over (ETFO), electrode scalar deviation (ESD), and electrode migration (EM) from both pre-shaped and straight electrode types. Results: A total of 82 studies that include 8,603 ears implanted with a CI, i.e., pre-shaped (4,869) and straight electrodes (3,734), were evaluated. The rate of ETFO (25 studies, 2,335 ears), ESD (39 studies, 3,073 ears), and EM (18 studies, 3,195 ears) was determined. An incidence rate (±95% CI) of 5.38% (4.4-6.6%) of ETFO, 28.6% (26.6-30.6%) of ESD, and 0.53% (0.2-1.1%) of EM is associated with pre-shaped electrodes, whereas with straight electrodes it was 0.51% (0.1-1.3%), 11% (9.2-13.0%), and 3.2% (2.5-3.95%), respectively. The differences between the pre-shaped and straight electrode types are highly significant (p < 0.001). Laboratory experiments show evidence that robotic insertions of electrodes are less traumatic than manual insertions. The influence of round window (RW) vs. cochleostomy (Coch) was not assessed. Conclusion: Considering the current electrode designs available and the reported incidence of insertion complications, the use of straight electrodes in RACIS and conventional CI surgery (and manual insertion) appears to be less traumatic to intracochlear structures compared with pre-shaped electrodes. However, EM of straight electrodes should be anticipated. RACIS has the potential to reduce these complications.

[Eustachian tube dysfunction after cleft palate surgery : Use of the latest diagnostics]. / Wie häufig ist die persistierende Tubenventilationsstörung nach erfolgter Gaumenspaltenoperation wirklich? : Einsatz neuester Diagnostik.

OBJECTIVE: In patients with cleft palate, a high incidence of chronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is assumed after surgery. Consequently, an increased rate of retracted eardrum or cholesteatoma is expected. Even though no common standard for investigating ETD is available, the development of objective tests has increased during the past 10 years. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of persisting chronic obstructive ETD in adult patients with cleft palate surgically treated in early childhood by using a combination of diagnostic tools. METHODS: Adult participants with cleft palate repair in early childhood were invited for a follow-up examination and compared to a control group. Examination included tympanometry, tubomanometry, the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7), and the Eustachian Tube Score 7 (ETS-7). RESULTS: A total of 16 adult patients were re-examined after cleft palate surgery and compared to a control group of 40 healthy individuals. Significant differences were found in the median ETS­7 (p < 0.0001) score but not in the median ETDQ­7 (p = 0.09) score. Only 2 of the 32 investigated ears (6%) had pathologic scores in ETS­7 and ETDQ­7 (p = 0.09), whereas 5 (31%) cleft palate patients showed symptoms of chronic obstructive ETD according to ETS­7. No patient had examination findings indicating a requirement for further treatment. CONCLUSION: By combining diagnostic tools for ETD, a lower rate of persisting obstructive ETD in adults after cleft palate surgery was found than previously reported. Successful surgical treatment of cleft palate seems to lead to physiological Eustachian tube function in long-term follow up.