Transmeatal Approach Research Articles

Sheep Head Cadaveric Model for the Transmeatal Extensions of the Retrosigmoid Approach

AbstractThe transmeatal extension of the retrosigmoid approach is an important procedure used in the treatment of various pathologies affecting the posterior fossa, petroclival region, and jugular foramen. Mastering this technique requires a high level of manual skill, particularly in temporal bone drilling. The objective of this study was to describe an easily accessible and cost-effective model of the transmeatal extension of the retrosigmoid approach using cadaveric sheep heads. Five cadaveric sheep heads, fixed in alcohol and formalin with intravascular-colored silicone injection, were prepared for this study. Two heads (four sides) were designated for illustrative anatomical specimens, while three heads (six sides) were used for surgical simulation. Additionally, one head was used to prepare and dissect a dry skull. All critical steps of the transmeatal approach, including both supra- and inframeatal extensions, were successfully replicated on the model. A comparative anatomical analysis was conducted, focusing on the technical nuances of the model. The cadaveric sheep head serves as an effective model for the retrosigmoid approach with transmeatal extensions, primarily for training manual haptic skills. While the sheep model cannot precisely replicate human anatomy, it still offers valuable training opportunities for neurosurgeons, particularly when human cadaveric specimens are unavailable.

Intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas: facial and hearing outcomes according to the location of the tumor in relation to the nerves of the internal auditory canal.

The objective was to evaluate whether the position of the nerves within the internal auditory canal (IAC) has any effect on preoperative and postoperative cochlear and facial nerve function in patients with intracanalicular vestibular schwannoma (VS) resected through the retrosigmoid transmeatal approach. Forty-four patients with sporadic intracanalicular VS, from a series of 710 patients with VS who underwent operations from January 1993 to April 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. The pattern of displacement of the cranial nerves and tumor within the IAC was recorded. Tumors were divided into 2 types: type T1A lesions had only anteriorly displaced nerves, and type T1B had posteriorly displaced vestibular nerves and anteriorly displaced facial and cochlear nerves. Differences in surgical outcomes between groups in terms of facial nerve function and hearing preservation were evaluated. Thirty-five cases (79.5%) were T1A tumors and 9 were T1B (20.5%). Gross-total resection and anatomical preservation of the facial and cochlear nerves were achieved in all patients. Postoperatively, all patients with T1A VS maintained normal facial nerve function; however, among T1B VS patients, 6 (67%) retained House-Brackmann grade I, 2 worsened to grade II, and 1 worsened to grade III at 6 months (p = 0.006). The 27 T1A VS patients with serviceable hearing maintained this status, and an additional patient with nonserviceable hearing improved to serviceable hearing; among T1B VS patients, only 2 of the 5 patients with serviceable hearing remained as such, 2 evolved to nonserviceable hearing, and 1 lost hearing after surgery (p = 0.0022). T1B VS patients had a 24-fold risk of facial nerve deterioration (relative risk [RR] 25.2, 95% CI 1.42-448.57, p = 0.028) and a 32-fold risk of hearing deterioration (RR 32.7, 95% CI 1.93-553, p = 0.016) after surgery. In intracanalicular VS, postoperative cochlear and facial nerve function are directly related to the location of the tumor in relation to the nerves, with worse outcomes in cases where the tumor is located between the vestibular and facial-cochlear nerves.

Hearing rehabilitation in children with malformed ears: The endoscopic-assisted approach for cochlear implantation

BackgroundCochlear 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. MaterialWe 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. ResultsThe 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. ConclusionThe 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.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the External Auditory Canal From Ceruminous Gland Adenoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We describe a right external auditory canal (EAC) recurrent ceruminous pleomorphic adenoma (CPA) accompanied by itching and review the clinical features and histopathology of this disease. A female in her 70s presented with a right EAC mass accompanied by itching. We initially diagnosed the mass as a ceruminous gland adenoma (CGA) following excisional biopsy. Two years and nine months later, the tumor recurred at the same site. A preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated no bone destruction, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 1 × 1 cm mass with a clearly defined margin in the right EAC. We completely excised the recurrent tumor using a transmeatal approach under general anesthesia. Histopathology demonstrated haphazard proliferation of tubule-glandular structures lined by two layers of the epithelium in the hypocellular stroma composed of a mucoid matrix. The recurring tumor was diagnosed as a CPA. Here, an EAC tumor-originally diagnosed as a CGA following excisional biopsy-recurred and was subsequently diagnosed as a CPA. CPA can be considered an unusual variant of CGA.

Long-term complications of the transmeatal approach (Open Transcanal) in cochlear implants: A follow-up study

ObjectiveMultiple alternative approaches of cochlear implant surgery have been described, such as the suprameatal approach, transcanal approach, transmeatal approach and middle cranial fossa approach. Transmeatal (open trnascanal) approach has not been adapted since first described in the clinical field. we aimed to assess the long-term complications of the transmeatal approach in a series of 131 patients at our center between 2004 and 2008. MethodsThis study was a retrospective case series of all patients who underwent cochlear implants with the transmeatal (open transcanal) approach from May 2004 to December 2008 at King Faisal Specialist and Research Hospital (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), which were conducted by the same surgeon. ResultsComplications were observed often with various combinations—recurrent otitis externa, posterior tympanic membrane perforation, electrode extrusion, cholesteatoma, and chronic mastoiditis. The overall long-term complication rate was 16% (21/131). The gap between the implantation and the diagnosis of a complication ranged from <1 year to 11 years. Major complications were as follows: cholesteatoma in 5 (3.8%) patients, extrusion of the electrode in 5 (3.8%) patients, and tympanic membrane perforation or deep retractions in 5 (3.8%) patients. Minor complications were as follows: recurrent mastoiditis with/without concomitant temporary facial nerve palsy in 4 (3%) patients, recurrent otitis externa infections in 7 (5%) patients, and weakness of the posterior canal wall in 1 patient. ConclusionThe transmeatal approach posed an high rate of complications on long-term follow-up such as cholestetoma formation, extrusion of electrode or perielectrode reaction formation to tympanic membrane and external auditory canal

Early surgery and definitive cure in small sporadic vestibular schwannoma.

To report surgical outcomes of a cohort of small sporadic vestibular schwannoma and discuss the role of early surgery. Retrospective descriptive analysis of 234 consecutive patients with small vestibular schwannoma operated on with translabyrinthine or hearing preservation surgical approaches. Outcome measures were control of disease, postoperative facial nerve function, complications and hearing outcome. A translabyrinthine approach was performed in 59% of cases, hearing preservation surgery in 40% and transmeatal approach in 1%, respectively. Complete resection was achieved in 100% of cases. Overall, postoperative major and minor complications were 8.5% in the series, with complete recovery and no sequalae. Facial nerve function at one year postoperatively was House-Brackmann scale (HB) 1-2 in 95% of cases. The rate of hearing preservation was 70% A-B-C classes of Tokyo classification and 77% AB classes of AAOHNS classification. Early surgery in small vestibular schwannoma is a valid option, due to good functional outcomes, low morbidity and definitive cure. Early surgery is associated with better outcomes when considered in relation to non-surgical treatments reported in the literature.

TYMPANOPLASTY TYPE-1: DIFFERENT APPROACHES AND THEIR SURGICAL OUTCOMES

Objective: To calculate the surgical outcomes of different approaches of tympanoplasty type 1 in terms of air bone gap closure, wound healing, and postoperative pain.&#x0D; Study Design: Prospective cross-sectional study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of ENT, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Teaching Institute (MTI), Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), Peshawar, Pakistan from Jun 2018 to May 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: Size of sample was 75 patients divided into three groups. Consent was obtained from all the patients included in study. After proper evaluation and relevant investigation pre- and post-operative PTA was performed. Tympanoplasty type-1 was performed by the same surgeon by the three approaches following established otological surgical protocol. Collected data was entered in SPSS-25 for analysis.&#x0D; Results: All 75 patients were divided into three equal groups. Male were 55 (73.3%), females were 20 (26.7%). Male: female ratio was 2.7:1. Majority of patients presented in 2nd and 3rd decades of life 31 (41.33%) and 28 (37.33%) respectively. Preoperative mean ± SD, ABG in groups A, B and C were 37.60 ± 11.28 dB, 37 ± 9.68 dB and 31.80 ± 12.40 dB, respectively. No significant difference was found amongst the three groups regarding pre-operative and post-operative ABG (p=0.85 and p=0.4), respectively. Mean ± SD, wound healing time in Groups A, B and C were 1.00 ± 0.00, 1.80 ± 0.40 and 1.76 ± 0.43 respectively with p=0.0001 and similarly postoperative pain with p=0.001. The wound healing time and post-operative was statistically better (p&lt;0.05) in group A (Transmeatal approach) than other groups........

Management of jugular bulb injury during retrosigmoid transmeatal resection of vestibular schwannoma

Inadvertent laceration of the jugular bulb is a potentially serious complication of the retrosigmoid transmeatal approach to vestibular schwannomas. Here, the authors present the case of a 51-year-old woman with a right Hannover T4a vestibular schwannoma and bilateral high-riding jugular bulb, which was opened during drilling of the internal auditory canal (IAC). They highlight the immediate management of this complication, technical nuances for closing the defect without occluding the jugular bulb, and modifications of the standard technique needed to continue surgical resection.The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID2155

Endoscopic resection through a retrosigmoid transmeatal approach of a large-sized vestibular schwannoma: operative video and technical nuances.

Surgical management of vestibular schwannomas has improved over the last 30 years. Whereas in the past the primary goal was to preserve the patient’s life, today neurological function safeguarding is the main objective, with numerous strategies involving single resection, staged resections, postoperative radiosurgery, or single radiosurgery.The retrosigmoid approach remains the primary pathway for surgical access to the cerebellopontine angle (CPA). The use of an endoscope has great advantages. It contributes to the visualization and resection of residual tumor and also reduces the need for cerebellar retraction.The authors present a fully endoscopic resection of a large-sized vestibular schwannoma with facial nerve preservation.The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID21106

Microsurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma via Retrosigmoid Transmeatal Approach with Intraoperative Monitoring Techniques.

Background: Functional preservation of cranial nerves remains an issue in surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma.Aims: To explore the functional outcomes of vestibular schwannoma removed by microsurgery via a retrosigmoid transmeatal approach with intraoperative monitoring techniques.Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on a group of patients with vestibular schwannoma operated by microsurgery.Methods: The outcomes, including the extent of tumor removal, the anatomic positions of the facial nerve, and postoperative Karnofsky performance status score, facial nerve function, and hearing function were reviewed and were statistically compared among tumor sizes (small, medium, and giant) and intraoperative monitoring types [electrophysiological monitoring only (E), electrophysiological monitoring + intraoperative imaging examination (E+I), and electrophysiological monitoring + neuronavigation (E+N)].Results: A total of 436 patients with VS received microsurgery. The position of the facial nerve was anterior in 85.5% of cases with small vestibular schwannoma. Other position patterns, especially anterior–superior and anterior–inferior, increased in tumors > 2.0 cm. Total resections were performed in all patients with small vestibular schwannoma. A total of 98.1% and 84.8% of patients with medium and giant vestibular schwannoma, respectively, had total resections. More than 90% of patients in all of the 3 monitoring groups had total resections. More than 80% of patients had excellent Karnofsky performance status score regardless of tumor size and monitoring type. After surgery, 100%, 84.4%, and 59.8% of patients with small-, medium-, and giant-sized vestibular schwannoma, respectively, had good facial nerve function. More than 70% of patients in all of the 3 monitoring groups had good facial nerve function postoperatively. The hearing preservation rate was 26.7% and 7.7% in small- and medium-sized vestibular schwannoma, respectively, and was 21.6% and 27.3% in the E group and the E+N group, respectively. The statistical analyses showed that tumor size was significantly associated with the extent of tumor resection, facial nerve localization, complications, postoperative Karnofsky performance status score, facial nerve function, and hearing function (all P ≤ .001). Monitoring type was significantly associated with the extent of resection (P ≤ .001). Additionally, patients in the E+N group had higher total resection rates than those in the E group (P ≤ .001). No cerebrospinal fluid leakage and surgery-related death occurred.Conclusion: In vestibular schwannoma microsurgery, tumor size is an important parameter that affects the localization of the facial nerve, the extent of resection, postoperative outcomes and complications. Intraoperative electrophysiological techniques combined with neuronavigation may be helpful to improve the extent of resection.

A volumetric three-dimensional evaluation of invasiveness of an endoscopic and microscopic approach for transmeatal visualisation of the middle ear.

This study aimed to compare the necessary scutum defect for transmeatal visualisation of middle-ear landmarks between an endoscopic and microscopic approach. Human cadaveric heads were used. In group 1, middle-ear landmarks were visualised by endoscope (group 1 endoscopic approach) and subsequently by microscope (group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy). In group 2, landmarks were visualised solely microscopically (group 2 microscopic approach). The amount of resected bone was evaluated via computed tomography scans. In the group 1 endoscopic approach, a median of 6.84 mm3 bone was resected. No statistically significant difference (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.163, U = 49.000) was found between the group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy (median 17.84 mm3) and the group 2 microscopic approach (median 20.08 mm3), so these were combined. The difference between the group 1 endoscopic approach and the group 1 microscopic approach following endoscopy plus group 2 microscopic approach (median 18.16 mm3) was statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001, U = 18.000). This study showed that endoscopic transmeatal visualisation of middle-ear landmarks preserves more of the bony scutum than a microscopic transmeatal approach.

Postoperative pain and analgesic consumption after endoscopic and microscopic ear procedures.

Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) is considered a minimally invasive technique. It is hypothesized that patients after endoscopic procedures experience less pain and require fewer painkillers. Our aim was to compare patients' postoperative pain and need for analgesics in patients undergoing microscopic and endoscopic ear surgeries. a single-institution, prospective study included 92 patients undergoing ear procedures (48 cholesteatoma and 44 reconstructive);(43 endoscopic and 49 microscopic) during 1/2016-1/2018. The postoperative pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) 0-10) and painkillers consumption were recorded and compared in each subgroup. VAS (P=0.02) and analgesics consumption (P=0.06) were lower after endoscopic ear surgeries. In the cholesteatoma group, 94% of endoscopic patients reported VAS 0-2 in contrast to 58 % of microscopic patients on day 1 (P=0.04). Similar tendencies were revealed in reconstructive cases, i.e. 92% compared to 73% (P>0.05). On day 1, 92% of endoscopic, and 77% of microscopic reconstruction patients received no painkillers group (P=0.06). In the cholesteatoma patients, 88% of endoscopic patients, 43% of microscopic patients using endaural approach, and 75% of microscopic patients using retroauricular approach, required no painkillers on the postoperative day 1 (P>0.05). Our study revealed that the EES is associated with less postoperative pain than the conventional microscopic ear surgery. It seems that it is rather the transmeatal approach, and not the endoscope itself that reduces postoperative pain. The removal of the same size cholesteatoma using endoscope (rather than using microscope) leads to less intensive postoperative pain. Consequently, it was not surprising that patients after endoscopic ear surgery very rarely took painkillers.

Non-echoplanar diffusion weighed imaging and T1-weighted imaging for cholesteatoma mastoid extension

ObjectivesA broad mastoid extension limits cholesteatoma resection via a transmeatal approach including endoscopic ear surgery. Therefore, a preoperative diagnosis of mastoid extension is a the most critical factor to determine whether to perform mastoidectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of non-echoplanar diffusion-weighted imaging (non-EPI DWI) and T1-weighted imaging in the evaluation of mastoid extension in cholesteatomas of the middle ear. MethodsPatients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for pretreatment evaluation before primary surgery for pars flaccida or tensa cholesteatoma, which revealed a high-signal intensity in the mastoid on T2-weighed imaging were retrospectively evaluated. Two board-certified radiologists retrospectively evaluated the extent of cholesteatomas on MRI with non-EPI DWI, non-EPI DWI- and T1-weighted axial imaging. The presence of a high signal intensity on non-EPI DWI or low or high signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging in the mastoid was evaluated. All cases were subclassified as M+ (surgically mastoid extension-positive) or M- (surgically mastoid extension-negative). ResultsA total of 59 patients with middle ear cholesteatoma were evaluated. There were 37 M+ cases and 22 M- cases. High-signal intensity on non-EPI DWI exhibited a sensitivity of 0.89 and specificity of 0.82, whereas partial low-signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging exhibited a sensitivity of 0.84 and specificity of 0.91 for detecting mastoid involvement. Complete high-signal intensity on T1-weighted imaging exhibited a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.89 for detecting non-involvement of the mastoid. The sensitivity (0.92) and specificity (0.96) of combined non-EPI DWI and T1-weighted imaging evaluation were higher than those of with non-EPI DWI or T1-weighted imaging alone. The interobserver agreement for the presence of high-signal intensity in the mastoid cavity on non-EPI DWI was very good at 0.82, that of a partial low-signal intensity area in the mastoid cavity lesions on T1-weighted imaging was good, at 0.76 and that of complete high-signal intensity in the mastoid cavity lesions on T1-weighted imaging was good, at 0.67. ConclusionsThe signal intensity on non-EPI DWI and T1-weighted imaging of the mastoid could be used to accurately assess the extent of middle ear cholesteatoma, which could facilitate surgical treatment planning.

Retro-Auricular Approach to the Fractures of the Mandibular Condyle: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the retro-auricular trans-meatal approach (RA) to mandibular head fractures. Fractures of the mandibular head (8%) are a specific type of mandibular condyle fractures (34%). Despite numerous complications of conservative treatment, e.g., limited mobility and even ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint, as well as shortening of the mandibular ramus resulting in malocclusion, surgical intervention in this type of fracture is still problematic. The main problems with the dominant pre-auricular approach are the high risk of paralysis of the facial nerve and persistence of a visible scar. An attractive alternative is RA, which, despite its long history, has been described in English very few times, i.e., in only two clinical trials described in three articles in the last 21 years. According to these studies, RA gives a minimum of 90% of ideal positions of bone fragments and an always fully preserved function of the facial nerve in the course of long-term observation. RA allows the application of long screws for fixation, which provide good stabilization. In addition, new types of headless screws leave a smooth, non-irritating bone surface, and the immediate future may be dominated by their resorbable varieties. RA can, therefore, be treated as a very favorable access to fractures of the mandibular head, especially due to the protection of the facial nerve and the possibility of providing a stable and predictable fixation.

Long-term results of type I tympanoplasty with perichondrium reinforced cartilage palisade vs temporalis fascia for large perforations: A retrospective study

ObjectiveTo compare the rate of graft uptake and postoperative hearing outcomes of Type I tympanoplasty with perichondrium reinforced cartilage palisade to temporalis fascia for large tympanic membrane (TM) perforations over 5 years follow-up period. Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective comparative study involving patients with chronic otitis media with large TM perforations. The patients underwent type I tympanoplasty using either perichondrium reinforced cartilage palisade (CP group) or temporalis fascia (TF group) as the graft via a transmeatal approach and under local anesthesia. Morphological and functional results were recorded at three- and five years follow-up. Demographic profiles including age and sex, surgery side, contralateral disease and graft uptake rate, as well as hearing outcomes, were compared between the two groups. ResultsAt three years follow-up, graft uptake was 94.87% for perichondrium reinforced cartilage palisade and 80.7% for fascia, respectively, (p = 0.67). At five years follow-up, the uptake rate dropped to 87.17% in the CP group, but to 66.6% in the TF group (p=0.019). Hearing improved after surgery in both groups, and showed no significant difference between the two groups. ConclusionOver long-term, perichondrium reinforced palisade showed a statistically significant better outcome regarding graft uptake than temporalis fascia in type Itympanoplasty for large TM perforations with comparable audiometric results

Developing a novel meatal areolar tissue autograft for minimally invasive tympanoplasty.

Background:We developed an easy and minimally invasive method of transmeatal tympanoplasty using meatal areolar tissue (MAT) grafts to achieve less postoperative morbidity or surgical scarring. We compared the functional and anatomical results of the developed method with conventional endaural tympanoplasty with a temporalis fascia (TF) graft.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, 58 patients (59 ears) with simple chronic otitis media who underwent type I tympanoplasty between January 2016 and August 2018 were included. All surgeries were performed in a tertiary referral hospital and by the same senior surgeon. The tympanic membrane (TM) was repaired with either a TF or an MAT graft.Results:Healing of the perforated TM and improvement in a hearing test by air-bone gap (ABG) closure were identified. Postoperative wound conditions were also evaluated. Twenty-eight ears were grafted with MAT, and 31 ears were grafted with TF. Graft success was observed in 26 patients (92.9%) in the MAT group and 28 patients (90.3%) in the TF group. Both groups showed functional improvement compared with the preoperative measurements. The postoperative pure tone audiogram (p = 0.737), ABG closure (p = 0.547), and graft success rate (p = 0.726) were not significantly different between the two groups. Neither wound dehiscence nor keloid formation was observed in our patients.Conclusion:Both MAT and TF grafts revealed satisfactory surgical and functional results. Compared with the conventional endaural approach with TF grafts, the new transmeatal approach method with an MAT graft causes relatively minimal trauma and results in better wound cosmetics. This method represents an easy, minimally invasive surgery and shows comparatively good results.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Surveillance for Vestibular Schwannoma After Microsurgical Resection Using a Retrosigmoid Transmeatal Approach

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor. The drawback of radical microsurgical VS resection is the increased likelihood of neurologic injury, forcing surgeons to leave a tumor remnant in some cases. We evaluated the prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enhancement patterns to determine the risk of tumor regrowth. This clinical study included 30 patients (20 women and 10 men) with VS who underwent surgery via a retrosigmoid transmeatal approach. The extent of resection was assessed by MRI 6 months after surgery. Two subtypes of intracanalicular linear enhancement were defined: linear enhancement of the walls of the internal auditory canal (IAC) or in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) and linear enhancement covering the end of the IAC. All patients included in the study underwent follow-up MRI every year for at least 6 years. Intracanalicular nodular enhancement suggestive of a tumor remnant was seen in the IAC in 11 patients (36.7%). Volume of nodular enhancements was <0.5cm3 when measurable. The enhancement remained stable throughout follow-up except in 2 cases that showed a slight decrease in size and in 1 case with aninitial tumor remnant of 0.5 cm3 showing a slight increase over the years. Eighteen patients (60%) had linear enhancement in the IAC or in the CPA. No patientswith linear enhancement showed nodular enhancement. Although specific monitoring protocols can be designed based on MRI findings 6 months after microsurgical VS resection, follow-up should be maintained indefinitely given the slight possibility of very late regrowth.

Our first experience with endoscopic ear surgery

For the last decades endoscopic ear surgery has become a common practice. Advantages of the endoscopic technique in middle ear surgery are high definition and magnification of the endoscope with a modern camera and the ability to 'look around the corner' with the angled scope. From March 2017 to November 2019 in NSRC PHOI named after Dmitry Rogachev in the Department of Oncology and Pediatric Surgery 53 patients (81 surgeries) have undergone endoscopic-assisted ear surgery: 3 biopsies for middle ear neoplasm with the transcanal endoscopic approach, 1 endoscopic tympanoplasty for attic retraction pocket with cholesteatoma, 2 endoscopic removal of middle ear tumors (including 1 combined approach) and 32 endoscopic myringoplasties, 22 canal wall down mastoidectomies for extensive middle ear and mastoid cholesteatoma, 21 second-look surgery with ossiculoplasty with overall good outcome. Age of the patients varied from 2 months to 16 years. Follow up period varied from 1 month to 3 years. Two cases of middle ear tumor removal via endoscopic transcanal approach are described. In one case endoscopic transmeatal approach was used as an addition to the middle fossa approach for removal of facial nerve neurinoma located on the upper surface of petrous bone with expansion to the middle ear cavity. In the second case endoscopic transmeatal approach was used alone for removal of benign tumor (salivary gland choristoma) of middle ear cavity with extension to pneumatic system of petrous bone. In both cases endoscopic approach allowed to biopsy the tumor first and then to remove the tumor in a less invasive way, which lead to faster patient recovery. In the majority of cases endoscopic technique is a method of assistance in otologic surgery, but sometimes could be a used a single method in middle ear surgery, allowing less traumatic approach and the implementation of high-definition camera for more precise disease control. In our preliminary experience endoscopic technique could be used in pediatric practice independently of the patient's age.

Systematic Review of Round Window Operations for the Treatment of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence.

A review of the literature is presented to consider the role of round window (RW) operations in superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD). Primary (PubMed) and secondary sources (TRIP, Cochrane database, Best Practice, and PubMed Clinical Queries) were used to identify relevant studies. Four original studies (three case series and one case report) were identified. All were retrospective reviews and used a number of subjective and objective outcome measures to assess the efficacy of a minimally invasive, transmeatal approach to perform RW surgery for SSCD. The current evidence suggesting that RW operations for SSCD are unlikely to replace more established surgical procedures as first-line treatment may be appropriate in a select group of patients. Further multicenter, randomized controlled trials are required to establish their efficacy in patients with SSCD.

Hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery via retrosigmoid transmeatal approach.

Advances in various diagnostic and/or treatment modalities, including radiological imaging, neuromonitoring, and microsurgical techniques, have resulted in treatments of vestibular schwannomas being aimed at preserving facial and hearing functions while achieving optimal tumor control. We describe our surgical technique for hearing preservation in vestibular schwannoma surgery. The retrosigmoid transmeatal approach under continuous neuromonitoring (auditory brainstem response, cochlear nerve action potentials, and continuous facial nerve monitoring) enables gross-total resection of vestibular schwannomas, while preserving hearing and facial functions. Radiological assessment and microsurgical techniques, such as meticulous tumor dissection, are also essential for functional preservation with sufficient tumor removal.