Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
Discovering Middle Ear Anatomy by Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery: A Dissection Manual
Published on: January 11, 2018
In Vivo Measurements of Middle Ear Temperature During Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery
Petra Beláková1, Richard Salzman, Martin Hyravý
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Objective:
The light emitted from the endoscope during transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) heats the intratympanic space. This heat may potentially be dangerous to nearby important structures, as documented by in vitro and by animal and cadaveric studies. The aim of our work was to monitor middle ear temperatures during TEES in vivo.
Study Design:
Cohort study.
Setting:
Tertiary referral hospital.
Patients:
Four patients (15-69 yrs old) underwent transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasties for chronic perforation or retraction.
Intervention:
After elevating the tympanomeatal flap, a thermocouple was placed in the middle ear to measure the heat generated by a 30° Hopkins rod telescope (11 cm long, 2.7 mm wide) and fiberoptic light emitting diode light source.
Main Outcome Measures:
Middle ear temperature in the retrotympanum was monitored under these conditions: at 50 and 100% light intensity, after removing and wiping the endoscope tip, during suctioning and following middle ear irrigation.
Results:
Maximum middle ear temperature ranged from 36.26-37.30°C. Pulling out and wiping the endoscope caused no change or minimal decrease of 0.16°C. Middle ear irrigation caused a temperature drop of 2.05°C to 5.11°C. Suctioning was associated with a drop from 0.24°C to 3.91°C that was dependent on the depth of the endoscopic tip.
Conclusion:
Middle ear temperatures during TEES using a Hopkins rod telescope and light-emitting diode light source reach values corresponding to physiological body temperature, and do not reach dangerous levels.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...