Key Points: • The use of drills in endoscopic rhinosurgery allows for
precise, safe and rapid removal of solid bone in standard procedures
such as dacryo-cysto-rhinostomia and has become indispensable in
complicated surgical interventions such as median maxillectomy •
Conventional otologic drills are often used as they are readily
available, economical and very robust in use • Injuries caused by the
rotating shaft of the burr are rare yet it can represent a serious
complication following drilling procedures in extended endonasal surgery
• The use of low-cost, reusable otology speculum eliminated this
complication of nasal entrance lacerations throughout our institution to
this date • As a simple safety measurement, we can recommend the
application of ear speculum as a reliable protection against drill
related nasal entrance laceration