Endoscopic ear surgery: A case series and first United Kingdom experience

Aim: To present the United Kingdom's first case series of 70 otological cases of endoscopic and non-endoscopic ear surgeries.

Methods: Prospective case series incorporating a range of endoscopic procedures performed using a 4 mm, 18 cm rigid endoscope, performed by a single surgeon at a single centre. Primary outcome measures included mean average pre and post-operative air-bone gap hearing thresholds and duration of surgery.

Results: Thirty-eight patients underwent endoscopic assisted ear surgery and 32 underwent non-endoscopic assisted ear surgery. In both surgical groups, there was a significant difference between pre and post-operative mean air-bone gaps (P = 0.02). Mean operating time was comparable between both groups. Eight patients developed post-operative complications.

Conclusion: Endoscopic ear surgery can be performed safely in a range of otological procedures. This has the potential to become a well-established surgical option for middle ear surgery in the near future. Advantages and limitations are discussed.