Endoscopic stapedotomy: our view point

Use of endoscope in middle ear surgery is not new, yet there is resistance to its use in stapedotomy. This is due to perceived long learning curve in shifting from conventional microscope to the endoscope and fear of one-handed work. (1) to present a case series of endoscopic stapedotomies and analyze the operative findings. (2) Discuss the merits and demerits of same. 20 patients with otosclerosis underwent stapedotomy over 5 years using 0°, 4 mm nasal endoscope of 18 cm length. Visualization of middle ear structures, surgical steps, operative time, hearing results and complications were analyzed. In all 20 cases, (13 males, 7 females, age: 32.7 years) manipulation of endoscope within the canal was easy facilitating endomeatal incision and elevation of tympanomeatal flap. An optimum exposure of incudo-stapedial joint was obtained in 88.24 % cases. Adequate exposure of crura was obtained in 82.35 % and the footplate in 95 %. The removal of postero-superior bony wall was required in 30 % and chorda tympani mobilization in 25 % of cases. The average operative time was 31 min. Audiometry done at 6 weeks showed, complete air-bone gap closure in 55 %, mild conductive hearing loss (up to 20 dB) in 30 % and mixed hearing loss in 2 cases (BC up to 30 dB and air-bone gap up to 20 dB). In one patient who initially had hearing improvement post operatively, developed moderate conductive hearing loss at 10 weeks. Performing fully endoscopic stapedotomy using a 4 mm nasal endoscope is a feasible option giving excellent visualization with good results.