Abstract

Objective This study aimed to compare the necessary scutum defect for transmeatal visualisation of middle-ear landmarks between an endoscopic and microscopic approach. Method Human cadaveric heads were used. In group 1, middle-ear landmarks were visualised by endoscope (group 1 endoscopic approach) and subsequently by microscope (group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy). In group 2, landmarks were visualised solely microscopically (group 2 microscopic approach). The amount of resected bone was evaluated via computed tomography scans. Results In the group 1 endoscopic approach, a median of 6.84 mm3 bone was resected. No statistically significant difference (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.163, U = 49.000) was found between the group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy (median 17.84 mm3) and the group 2 microscopic approach (median 20.08 mm3), so these were combined. The difference between the group 1 endoscopic approach and the group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy plus group 2 microscopic approach (median 18.16 mm3) was statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001, U = 18.000). Conclusion This study showed that endoscopic transmeatal visualisation of middle-ear landmarks preserves more of the bony scutum than a microscopic transmeatal approach.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)410-414
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of laryngology and otology
Volume135
Issue number5
Early online date2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • Anatomic Landmarks
  • Cholesteatoma
  • Ear Canal
  • Ear, Middle
  • Endoscopes
  • Otologic Surgical Procedures

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