Base of Endoscopic Ear Surgery

Objective: Endoscopic ear surgery is developing rapidly. This article aimed to review the rationale with advantages and disadvantages of endoscopic ear surgery compared to microscopic ear surgery as well as the current indications in the field of otology and neurotology, limitations, terminologies, and approaches.

Methods: A review of the literature on PubMed was performed using the keywords “endoscopic ear surgery,” “ear surgery,” “endoscopy,” and “ear endoscope” to select relevant published articles.

Results: The main advantage of endoscopic ear surgery is an improved visualization of the surgical field. It provides a high-resolution, wider, and more magnified view of the middle ear and the ability to look “around the corners” to visualize otherwise “hidden areas.” Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery allows minimally invasive technique by transforming the external auditory canal into a natural access point to the middle ear. It also allows a better understanding of the middle ear physiology (the ventilation pathways and middle ear folds). Endoscopic ear surgery has, however, some disadvantages, with it being a 1-handed surgical technique as the main limitation. Other limitations are an easily impaired visual field by bleeding or fogging on the lens, a narrow surgical space, and a steep learning curve.

Conclusion: Endoscopic ear surgery is a safe and effective technique and a valid alternative to the microscope. It allows for improved surgical visualization and the ability to look “around the corners” with minimally invasive access. It holds a great promise in otology, and the indications for endoscopic ear surgery are constantly evolving.

Cite this article as: Levie C, Levie P. Base of endoscopic ear surgery. B-ENT 5 December 2022 10.5152/B-ENT.2022.22980 [Epub Ahead of Print].