Comparison of microscopic and endoscopic views in cadaveric ears

John Guy*, Jameel Muzaffar, Christopher Coulson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
122 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

PURPOSE: The advent of endoscopic otosurgery provides reduced tissue destruction with theoretically improved views, yet a quantification of the difference of exposure between microscopic and endoscopic approaches has not yet been performed in human specimens. The objective of this study was to assess the difference in views of cadaveric tympanic membranes when inspected with operating microscopes or endoscopes.

METHODS: A circular graduated disc was inserted into eight cadaveric external ear canals to rest against the tympanic membrane. Three independent observers assessed the maximum possible observable radius of the graduated disc in each ear using a 0° endoscope and a surgical microscope in superior, inferior, posterior, and anterior directions.

RESULTS: The endoscope was able to view a significantly larger mean maximum visible radius than the microscope in posterior, superior, anterior, and inferior directions. This represented a mean gain in observable distance of 19.18%. There was a smaller variation in mean maximum visible radius than the microscope.

CONCLUSION: The wider field of view in an endoscope compared to a microscope implies reduced surgical tissue damage is needed to provide sufficient operative exposure. Enhanced views of the attic were demonstrated by the endoscope, further indicating utility in cholesteatoma observation and surgery.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1655-1658
Number of pages4
JournalEuropean Archives of Otorhinolaryngology
Volume277
Issue number6
Early online date14 Mar 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2020

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors would like to thank KARL STORZ GmbH & Co. KG, who assisted pro bono with this project. The authors would also like to thank those who donated their body to medical science.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020, The Author(s).

Keywords

  • Endoscopy
  • Microsurgery
  • Otology
  • Tympanic membrane

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Comparison of microscopic and endoscopic views in cadaveric ears'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this