Role of otoendoscope as a preoperative tool in tympanoplasty

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the common causes for hearing impairment and disability. Despite continuous technical improvement, the basic optical principles and their limitations have remained the same over the past three decades. This study aimed at visualizing and evaluating the middle ear structures with the aid of 0 and 30-degree otoendoscopes preoperatively in cases of chronic suppurative otitis media.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In this prospective study, 70 patients (40 females and 30 males) above the age of 10 years with CSOM were subjected to otoendoscopy using 0- and 30-degree endoscopes. The various middle ear structures and hidden spaces like facial recess, sinus tympani, hypotympanum were visualized preoperatively. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Middle ear structures and blind niches were better evaluated preoperatively using 0 and 30-degree otoendoscopes and a definitive operative plan was formulated.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Otoendoscopy provided a significant better visualization of all the middle ear structures and various hidden spaces.</p>