Objective: To study the neuroprotective effect of facial nerve monitoring in canal wall down of mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty.
Method: Twenty cases of chronic suppurative otitis media were performed canal wall down of mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty under general anesthesia. Facial nerve monitoring was used during surgery to locate the facial nerve. Threshold level of kinetic current and amplitude of synchronous reaction were recorded.
Result: Seven cases with cholesteatoma were found facial nerve partial exposured in tympanic segment or mastoid segment. 13 cases had integrated facial never canal. Synchronous myopotential response of facial nerve was evoked successfully in all cases. Electroshock threshold had significant difference between facial nerve exposed group and non-exposed group (P<0.01). No facial palsy were found in all cases.
Conclusion: Facial nerve monitoring is benefit in locating facial nerve in canal wall down of mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty and could avoid facial nerve injury during surgery.