Bi-scopic transcanal middle ear surgery
Feature Summary
Traditional methods for middle ear surgery have a higher rate of cholesteatoma recurrence and complications, with the most significant one being post-surgical facial palsy. This is likely due to poor exposure and visibility of the middle ear and mastoid. Our team routinely performs dual-system (endoscope and microscope) micro-ear surgery. Combining the advantages of both approaches gives us the best chance for surgical success whilst protecting the facial nerve. Bi-scopic transcanal middle ear surgery is a non-invasive yet highly-effective option for middle ear diseases.
Overview
Chronic ear infections may cause a perforation of the eardrum (chronic otitis media). This can cause conductive hearing loss. When skin cells from the external ear invade the middle ear and proliferate, it causes a condition called “middle ear cholesteatoma”, which means irregular skin growth behind the eardrum. Another possible way of acquiring a middle ear cholesteatoma is through a retraction pocket above the eardrum. This condition is often associated with a poorly functioning Eustachian tube. In rarer cases, cholesteatoma can be congenital. These conditions require surgery to correct. Our surgeons excel in tympanomastoidectomy, a surgery to remove any abnormalities in the middle ear and repair the eardrum. We use “dual system microsurgery” routinely, combining the advantages of endoscopic and microscopic surgery to eliminate disease and the possibility of recurrence. Bi-scopic transcanal middle ear surgery may be used in select cases. Without an postaural or endaural incision, operational duration is short and recovery is speedy.
Features
Bi-scopic transcanal middle ear surgery is indicated in middle ear diseases such as chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma and mastoiditis. Traditionally, surgeons approach the middle ear by creating a long curving incision behind the ear, elevating all the soft tissue above the mastoid bone, then drilling through the mastoid air cells and posterior ear canal under a microscope. This results in a longer recovery time, open cavity problems, and frequent facial nerve injury. The Bi-scopic transcanal middle ear approach enables surgeons to manage middle ear diseases without making an incision.
Notification
Risks & complications
- Postoperative infection
With any type of surgery, there is risk for infection. The rate of infection is low.
- Facial paralysis
The facial nerve will possibly be encountered during surgery. If injury to the nerve happens, transient or long-term unilateral paralysis of the face will be noted. However, this event could be avoided by experienced operators and the use of intraoperative facial nerve monitoring.
Estimated Cost
For estimated medical costs, please contact International Medical Services Center.