Ear Endoscopic Surgery: Dissection of the Middle Ear

Introduction: The endoscope is an equipment used successfully in several procedures of several medical specialties. However, in the otology area, even with incorporation of endoscopes in joint procedures with microscope, the procedures purely assisted by endoscopy are still very limited. Objective: Our work is aimed at carrying out transcanal and modified transcanal endoscopic dissection of the middle ear, by showing important anatomic marks, as well as the structures that may be viewed through this access. Type of Study: Prospective Methods: In May 2009, 10 parts of temporal bones were dissected by the same surgeon with the help of endoscopes. We used instruments from 0 to 45 grads and 4 mm, the same that were applied in nasosinusal surgeries. Results: There was no major technical difficulty performing dissections. We could identify several key-structures such as incudo-malleolar articulation, tympanic segment of the facial nerve, lateral semi-circular canal and additus ad antrum, all without provoking lesions in the middle ear structures. Conclusion: The middle ear endoscopic dissection by transcanal and modified transcanal ways is possible and enables an excellent view of important structures in the middle ear. The ear surgery techniques with endoscope are currently similar to the microscopic ones, but some instrument adaptation, new techniques and familiarization with such appliances are critical for the future procedures.