Otology/Neurotology

Abstract

Program Description: The temporal bone is the home to and neighbor of a variety of critical neural and vascular structures that are at risk for injury during otologic surgery involving the middle ear and mastoid cavity. Their injury can have devastating consequences including hearing loss, facial nerve injury, central nervous system injury, or stroke. The challenge to the otologic surgeon is to eradicate disease, to preserve structure and function, and to avoid injury. Being prepared to handle expected and unexpected situations is the key to success for otologic or any other surgery. In this miniseminar, a panel of experts will specifically review: 1) How to avoid cholesteatoma recurrence; 2) strategies to prevent facial nerve injury; 3) what to do when the brain is injured; 4) avoiding and managing vascular injury; 5) what to do when the unexpected occurs during routine stapes surgery. The goal of the panel is to provide the tools necessary to become a more effective otologic surgeon and guidance for how to handle a variety of potential complications that may be encountered during routine ear surgery. Educational Objectives: 1) Understand surgical principles and techniques to avoid FN, vascular, and CNS injury during otologic surgery. 2) Understand strategies to effect total removal of cholesteatoma and minimize its recurrence. 3) Understand the state-of-the-art approaches to minimizing and addressing complications of stapes surgery.