Endoscopic Revision Surgery of Middle Ear

Sohn, Soo Joon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
With modern endoscopes, the mastoidectomized cavity and the middle ear can be visualized with a minimally invasive technique. The author employed endoscopes in reoperation of the middle ear and analyzed the results to determine whether it can replace a conventional procedure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ten ears undergoing endoscopic revision procedures had conventional canal wall up tympanomastoidectomies performed 6-15 months previously for chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma. The endoscopes were introduced through a postauricular hole to inspect the mastoid cavity, attic, and the tympanum systematically. A tympanomeatal flap was elevated to inspect the posterior tympanum and to reconstruct the ossicular chain.
RESULTS
The mastoid cavity, attic, and the tympanum were directly visualized with endoscopes in 9 cases. Ossiculoplasties were performed with incus in 4 cases, with TORP in 3 cases, and with PORP in 2 cases. There was an epithelial pearl in the facial recess which was removed endoscopically. The intraoperative and postoperative courses were uneventful in all cases. The postoperative hearing results were favorable in the majority of the cases.
CONCLUSION
Endoscopic revision surgeries of the middle ear were successfully performed in 9 out of 10 ears. With the employment of endoscopes, revision surgery of the middle ear can be converted into a minimally invasive one.