External ear canal parameters and endoscopic otosurgery in children

Abstract

Main difficulties of endoscopic ear surgery in children could be connected with width of external ear canal (EEC) and endoscope diameter discrepancy. To investigate EEC parameters in children, to determine cross section and to develop the recommendations whenever possible of endootosurgery performance in children. Research included two stages. First - average values determination of narrowest site EEC in children according to computer tomograms. Second - determination of age of the patient and the amount of acoustical pass at which there are specifications for performance of interventions endoscopic. EEC square: 1-3 years - 12.6±1.91 mm2, diameter is 4.01±0.59 mm; 4-7 years - 16.8±1.34 mm2, diameter is 5.34±0.43 mm; 8-11 years - 21.7±1.38 mm2, diameter is 6.9±0.45 mm; 12-18 years - 31.3±4.27 mm2, diameter is 9.96±1.4 mm. The difference between parameters at each of age groups was statistically reliable. Comfortable work endoscopically is possible with EEC square 20.4±3.19 mm2 and more. This corresponds to average value of EEC in 8-18 years. Endoscopic ear surgery is inexpedient in children up to 4 years. It is necessary to expect that intervention will be exigeant and transition to the microscopic equipment is required in case of 4-7 years old patients. Endoscopic ear surgery can be used with success to performance of various manipulations and surgical interventions on a middle ear in patients 8-18 years old.