Simultaneous supervision by microscope of endoscope-assisted microsurgery via presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach:...

To examine the impact of integrated hybrid operating rooms for endoscope-assisted microsurgery using the presigmoid retrolabyrinthine (RL) approach, and to determine the value of simultaneous supervision of skull base endoscopic procedures by microscope.

We retrospectively reviewed endoscope-assisted surgery using the RL approach at our institution between September 2013 and January 2017. The simultaneous supervision of endoscopic procedures by microscope was realized using the integrated hybrid system. Intra- or postoperative complications and surgical outcomes were analyzed. All patients were followed for at least 1 year.

In total, 32 patients were studied: 4 vestibular schwannomas, 5 cholesteatomas, 8 hemifacial spasms, 5 glossopharyngeal neuralgias, and 10 Ménière's disease. In patients with vestibular schwannoma or cholesteatoma, complete removal was performed in all patients. In patients with Ménière's disease, hemifacial spasm or glossopharyngeal neuralgia, satisfactory symptom relief was achieved in all patients. Two (6.3%) patients had hearing loss after surgery which did not recover. One (3.1%) patient with vestibular schwannoma had mild facial palsy (HB III) at 2 weeks after the operation and recovered to near normal facial nerve function (HB II) at 1 year after surgery. No permanent or transient dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve or the lower cranial nerves was observed during follow-up. No complications such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage or meningitis were observed.

The endoscope provided a clearer and larger view, which solved the limitations of surgery using the RL approach. Endoscopic surgery under simultaneous supervision by microscope was safe and efficient in hearing preservation as well as in preservation of facial nerve function. An integrated operation room provided better support and the ability to switch quickly between these various complex devices.