Objectives/hypothesis To review experience from the introduction of totally endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) to a pediatric tympanoplasty practice to identify factors influencing technique selection and successful outcome. Study design Prospective cohort study. Methods Analysis of prospectively acquired data from a consecutive series of 295 surgeries for tympanic membrane perforation over a 12-year period. Success of perforation closure was compared between microscope and TEES grafting techniques. Impact of the acquisition of endoscopic techniques and equipment were compared with annual proportion of cases completed by TEES. Results Of 267 tympanoplasties, 109 (41%) were completed with TEES and 158 by a postauricular approach. The proportion completed with TEES increased gradually to 97% of cases as equipment and expertise were acquired. Young age did not prevent TEES tympanoplasty. Two hundred nineteen of 250 (88%) perforations were closed successfully by tympanoplasty, with equivalent closure rates between TEES and postauricular approaches. Underlay of tragal perichondrium was less successful than lateral graft technique using TEES (P = .04, Fisher exact test). "Push-through" myringoplasty using a microscope or endoscope was least successful (19 of 28 (68%), P = .005). The median length of stay was 13 hours shorter for TEES than postauricular tympanoplasty (P = .04, Mann-Whitney rank sum test). Wound complications occurred in five (3%) postauricular cases and one TEES case. Conclusions TEES tympanoplasty is feasible in a large majority of children given appropriate equipment and surgical experience. Nonautogenous graft material is ideal for this minimally invasive approach. TEES is recommended as providing equivalent likelihood of perforation closure to the post-auricular approach but with less postoperative morbidity. Level of evidence 2b. Laryngoscope, 127:2659-2664, 2017.

Endoscope or microscope-guided pediatric tympanoplasty? Comparison of grafting technique and outcome.

Objective:Analyze the surgical outcomes of endoscopic stapes surgery, comparing the results with a conventional stapes surgery under microscopic approach. Estimate the operation type of each surgical approach and show a learning curve of endoscopic stapes surgery.Study Design:Retrospective study.Set

Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Approach in Stapes Surgery: Are Operative Times and Learning Curve Important for Making the Choice?

Objective This meta-analysis compares the efficacy and safety of endoscopic and microscopic approaches to tympanoplasty and stapes surgery, two common middle ear procedures. Data sources A comprehensive electronic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted for studies published from the year 1960 through June 2018. Article selection and screening proceeded according to the strategies outlined in the standard Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. Methods Studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Jadad scale depending on the presence of randomization. Bias was analyzed using funnel plots. For each outcome measure, a forest plot was generated and a pooled relative risk or risk difference was calculated to assess significance. Results Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, 16 tympanoplasty (1,323 ears) and 5 stapes surgery (283 ears). The nonrandomized studies scored moderately well but the randomized studies were of low quality with respect to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Jadad Scale, respectively. With respect to tympanoplasty, statistical analysis demonstrated that the endoscopic approach had significantly lower canalplasty rates, better cosmetic outcomes, and shorter operative times. Furthermore, endoscopic compared to microscopic methods were similar in terms of audiological outcome, graft success rate, and complication rate. Among stapes surgeries, the endoscopic approach demonstrated a significantly decreased incidence of postoperative pain and chorda tympani injury but was similar to the microscopic approach with respect to audiological outcome, postoperative dizziness, and operative time. Conclusions Though the merits of endoscopic techniques are becoming more well known, there are still concerns regarding their efficacy and safety. An analysis of the current literature suggests that audiological, functional, and safety outcomes are similar, if not superior, for the endoscopic approach to both tympanoplasty and stapes surgery compared to the microscopic approach. With respect to tympanoplasty, patients undergoing the endoscopic approach had lower canalplasty rates, better cosmetic outcomes, and shorter operative times. Among stapes surgeries, patients in the endoscopic group had a lower incidence of postoperative pain and injury to the chorda tympani. This meta-analysis of the current evidence supports the use of endoscopic techniques for tympanoplasty and stapes surgery.

Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Middle Ear Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Outcomes Following Tympanoplasty and Stapes Surgery.

Objective Transcanal exclusive endoscopic ear surgery requires the management of the endoscope and the surgical instruments in the external auditory canal. Bleeding in this narrow space is one of the most challenging issues, especially for novice endoscopic ear surgeons. We aim to assess the severity and occurrence of bleeding and describe strategies to control the bleeding during endoscopic ear surgery. We hypothesize that bleeding is reasonably controllable in endoscopic ear surgery. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods We retrospectively assessed 104 consecutive cases of exclusive endoscopic ear surgery at the University Hospital of Modena, Italy. The surgical videos and the patient charts were carefully investigated and analyzed. Results Hemostatic agents included injection of diluted epinephrine (1:200,000, 2% mepivacaine), cottonoids soaked with epinephrine (1:1000), mono- or bipolar cautery, washing with hydrogen peroxide, and self-suctioning instruments. The localization of bleeding in the external auditory canal was most frequently the posterior superior part, and inside of the middle ear, it was the pathology itself. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences comparing the mean arterial pressure and the type of intervention among bleeding scores. Conclusion The management of bleeding in endoscopic ear surgery is feasible through widely available hemostatic agents in reasonable frequency. This study gives an instructive overview on how to manage the bleeding in the exclusive endoscopic technique. Even the highest bleeding scores could be managed in an exclusively endoscopic technique.

Management of Bleeding in Exclusive Endoscopic Ear Surgery: Pilot Clinical Experience.

OBJECTIVE To investigate postoperative audiological outcomes and complication rates for fully endoscopic and microscopic stapes surgery carried out by a single surgeon in one center. PATIENTS All patients having undergone endoscopic and non-endoscopic stapes surgery for otosclerosis from September 2009 to August 2016 under a single surgeon. INTERVENTION(S) Stapedotomy using either an operating microscope or endoscope for visualization. Stapedotomy was carried out using a standard approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pre- and postoperative audiometry and complications. RESULTS Thirty-four patients who underwent endoscopic stapes surgery and 47 patients who underwent non-endoscopic stapes surgery were included in this study. Seventy-nine percent of both endoscopic and non-endoscopic groups had the average air-bone gap closed to less than 10 dBHL, respectively; the difference was not significant (p = 0.940, χ test). No patients with sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, or facial nerve paresis were reported. Two of 34 patients (6%) of the endoscopic group had the chorda tympani cut intraoperatively for access compared with 11 of 47 patients (23%) of the non-endoscopic group. Sixteen of 47 patients (34%) required an endaural incision for access in the non-endoscopic group; no endaural incisions were made in the endoscopic group. CONCLUSION Air-bone gap closure and patient complications did not vary significantly between endoscopic and non-endoscopic groups in this study of 34 endoscopic procedures. There is a requirement for further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to fully gauge the safety and effectiveness of this technique.

Endoscopic Stapes Surgery: A Comparison With Microscopic Surgery

Endoscopic ear surgery is an emerging technique with recent literature highlighting advantages over the traditional microscopic approach. This study aims to characterize the current status of endoscopic ear surgery in Canada and better understand the beliefs and concerns of the otolaryngology – head & neck surgery community regarding this technique. A cross-sectional survey study of Canadian otolaryngologists was performed. Members of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology were contacted though an online survey carried out in 2015. The majority of participants in this study (70 %) used an endoscope in their practice, with a large proportion utilizing the endoscope for cholesteatoma or tympanoplasty surgery. To date, 38 Canadian otolaryngologists (70 % of respondents) have used an endoscope for at least 1 surgical case, but only 6 (11 %) have performed more than 50 endoscopic cases. Of the otolaryngologists who use endoscopes regularly, the majority still use the microscope as their primary instrument and use the endoscope only as an adjunct during surgery. However, the general attitude surrounding endoscopes is positive; 81 % believe that endoscopes have a role to play in the future of ear surgery and 53 % indicated they were likely to use endoscopes in their future practice. Participants who were earlier in their practice or who had more exposure to endoscopic techniques in their career were more likely to have a positive stance towards endoscopic ear surgery (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). The main concern regarding endoscopic ear surgery was the technical challenge of one-handed surgery, while the primary perceived advantage was the reduced rates of residual or recurrent disease. Endoscopic ear surgery is a new technique that is gaining momentum in Canada and there is enthusiasm for its incorporation into future practice. Further investment in training courses and guidance for those looking to start or advance the use of endoscopes in their practice will be vital in the years to come.

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Endoscopic ear surgery in Canada: a cross-sectional study

http://www.thelancet.com/article/S2214109X2200184X/pdf

Mobile health school screening and telemedicine referral to improve access to specialty care in rural Alaska: a cluster- randomised controlled trial.

Objective To review three patients with concurrent otosclerosis and superior canal dehiscence identified before operative intervention and provide a practical diagnostic approach to this clinical scenario. Study design Retrospective patient series. Setting Tertiary/quaternary referral center. Patients Individuals with confirmed diagnoses of concurrent otosclerosis and superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome. Interventions Detailed history and physical examinations were performed on these patients, as well as detailed audiovestibular testing and computed tomography imaging. Main outcome measures Establishing a clear diagnosis of concurrent otosclerosis and superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome using a thorough diagnostic approach. Results Three patients presented with conductive hearing loss and normal tympanic membranes. When history and physical examination yielded suspicious third window symptoms/signs, more detailed audiovestibular testing and computed tomography scan imaging were performed. All three patients were ultimately identified to have concurrent otosclerosis and superior canal dehiscence. Conservative management was the option of choice for two of these patients (trial of a hearing aid) and surgical intervention was performed to treat the otosclerosis in the remaining patient.

Diagnosis of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence in the Presence of Concomitant Otosclerosis.

Complex airway disease such as Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Asthma or Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease requires a multidisciplinary approach to management and treatment. Many centers in the USA have created collaborative multidisciplinary clinics to support the management of these patients; however, similar structures do not appear to exist in Canada.This mixed methods study used a combination of structured interviews and a cross-sectional national survey. Interviewees included members of the Canadian Rhinology Working Group and survey participants were a combination of academic and community Rhinologists, Respirologists and Allergists. All participation was voluntary and selection criteria was based on their involvement in treating complex airway disease. Our objective was to identify the current state of diagnosis and treatment of complex airway patients in Canada between Rhinology, Respirology and Allergy and understand the barriers, challenges and propose solutions to establishing a multidisciplinary airway clinic in Canada.Four Rhinologists participated in qualitative interviews and a convenience sample of 42 specialists through our known network responded to our quantitative survey. From our survey, 54.8% believed multidisciplinary clinics were necessary in the management of complex airway disease, providing better outcomes and cost-savings (69%, 45.2%). Most specialties agreed that history, physical, pulmonary function and skin prick testing was important for diagnosis (92.9%, 92.9%, 88.1%). If clinicians were to participate in a multidisciplinary clinic, they would be willing to forego an average of 14.2% of their mean daily income for that clinic. The ideal clinic location was split between a neutral shared location vs. a Rhinology clinic space (38.1%, 45.2%).Complex airway diseases are currently managed in subspecialty silos resulting in fragmented care. Our study highlights gaps in management, areas for improvement and support for establishing multidisciplinary complex airway disease clinics in Canada to better treat this population. 

/pdf/identifying-barriers-to-care-for-complex-airway-disease-and-1axu0xtb.pdf

Michael Yong

Papers

Endoscopic ear surgery in Canada: a cross-sectional study

Mobile health school screening and telemedicine referral to improve access to specialty care in rural Alaska: a cluster- randomised controlled trial.

Diagnosis of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence in the Presence of Concomitant Otosclerosis.

Identifying barriers to care for complex airway disease and multidisciplinary solutions to optimize therapy in Canada