Endoscopic ear surgery in Canada: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundEndoscopic 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsEndoscopic 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.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40463-016-0117-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Endoscopic vs Microscopic Approach in Stapes Surgery: Advantages in the Middle Ear Structures Visualization and Trainee's Point of View

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“…Endoscopic ear surgery has gained popularity in clinical practice over the past decade . The benefits of using the endoscope, in contrast to the traditional operating microscope, have been well documented in ear surgery .…”

“…These advantages include improved visualization around difficult angles and deep recesses, and the decreased need for extra exposure to achieve adequate illumination and visualization of the operative field . In a survey of ear surgeons who use endoscopes in their surgical practice, the vast majority of endoscopic procedures involved removal of cholesteatoma and tympanoplasty . We report the first documented case of an endoscope‐assisted resection of an intravestibular schwannoma.…”

“…Endoscopic ear surgery has gained popularity in clinical practice over the past decade. 1 The benefits of using the endoscope, in contrast to the traditional operating microscope, have been well documented in ear surgery. 2 These advantages include improved visualization around difficult angles and deep recesses, and the decreased need for extra exposure to achieve adequate illumination and visualization of the operative field.…”

Endoscopic ear surgery in the ear camp setting; forward thinking or folly?

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