Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Robot-Assisted Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Congenital Cholesteatoma
Published on: December 15, 2023
Hearing rehabilitation in children with malformed ears: The endoscopic-assisted approach for cochlear implantation
Davide Soloperto1, Francesca De Cecco1, Gennaro Confuorto1
1Unit of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Department, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics, Verona, Italy.
Background:
Cochlear implantation (CI) in children with malformed ears can be challenging through the standard surgical technique. Several alternative approaches have been described. The endoscopic-assisted approach can be chosen as an effective and safe surgical technique, overcoming the drawbacks of the traditional approach.
Material:
We further describe a combined technique based on a limited mastoidectomy with no posterior tympanotomy and an endoscopic transmeatal approach to the round window (RW): the electrode is driven from the mastoid to the middle ear through the attic.
Results:
The concomitant endoscopic assistance allows for improved surgical vision, reducing the risk of major complications. The main advantages of this technique are related to better visualization of the RW for safe insertion of the electrode; avoidance of damage to the facial nerve (FN), due to direct visualization, and sparing the posterior tympanotomy; avoidance of subtotal petrosectomy, if not necessary.
Conclusion:
The purpose of this article, supported with a video file, is to describe step by step this endoscopic-assisted procedure in a patient with middle ear malformation.
