Endoscopic Ear Surgery - A Single Unit Sri Lankan Experience

Introduction: Endoscopic Ear Surgery was introduced in the 1980s and has gained popularity worldwide. Superior view, better access to difficult corners of the middle ear, and better ergonomics have been cited as the reasons for its success. It's a very well-established approach for managing ear cases. We are presenting our experience herewith. Objectives: To assess efficacy of endoscopic ear surgery in local setting Methods Otologic surgical patients attending Nawaloka ENT unit were selected for endoscopic approach with the sole exclusion criteria of extensive cholesteatoma. Data collected using a digital portfolio system. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 2 weeks 1 month and 2 months. Period of study was from March 2017 to December 2019. Results Total number of cases 92 (Myringoplasty 59, Mastoid exploration 17, Excision of Glomus Tympanicum 2, Stapedectomy 2, Excision of osteoma 2, Myringotomy and grommet insertion 10) In suppurative ear cases a success rate (as defined by dry ear without residual perforation) of 72/76 (94.7%) was achieved. Grommet insertions were done without difficulty and all cases had in situ grommets at follow up. A Stapedectomy patient had a closed air bone gap. One glomus tumour excision had a residual perforation, the other no complications. Conclusions Endoscopic ear surgery is an excellent method of attending to ear pathologies. With time and future developments, it might become the mainstay method of ear surgery.