Endoscopic ear surgery in the ear camp setting; forward thinking or folly?

Abstract

Endoscopic ear surgery is becoming an accepted technique in otological surgery, in the management of chronic otitis media. The technique was introduced to the humanitarian care setting of an ear camp in Nepal to consider the appropriateness of the technique in this type of clinical setting. Fifteen cases of myringoplasty were successfully completed. The apparent advantages of the endoscopic approach over the traditional microscopic one were the ease of transporting the equipment and the optimal view obtained of the tympanic membrane. The ability for pathology and operative technique to be observed equally well by the surgeon and local staff was helpful for teaching, and enables a move towards self-sufficiency of care. Easy image capture also has potential for remote telemedicine applications.