Piezoelectric ear surgery: a systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The piezoelectric instrument (PEI) utilizes micro-oscillation and cavitation for bone removal in ear surgery.
• This review critically analyzes PEI's advantages, disadvantages, and limitations against traditional drills.

Approach:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Studies focusing on PEI in ear surgery, particularly those with control groups, were prioritized for inclusion.

Key Points:

• Analysis of 49 studies (2003-2022) involving 1162 ear operations revealed PEI's potential for precise bone removal near delicate structures.
• The majority of studies were retrospective (76%), with limited prospective randomized controlled trials.
• PEI demonstrates enhanced safety and precision compared to drills, especially in proximity to soft tissues.

Conclusions:

• Piezoelectric surgery represents a promising innovation for temporal bone procedures.
• Current limitations include slower bone removal rates and higher costs, impacting broader clinical implementation.