Ear endoscopy techniques and necessary information 2024

What is Ear endoscope

The ear endoscopy technique is one of the applications of endoscopic methods, used to observe the inside of the ear in detail for diagnosing and treating ear issues. This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small endoscope (an instrument similar to a lens with a camera) to transmit images from inside the ear to a screen, allowing doctors to clearly and accurately view the structures within the ear.

When is an ear endoscopy needed?

Otoscopy should be performed in the following cases to diagnose and treat otorhinolaryngology diseases:

• Persistent ear pain or discomfort: When patients experience symptoms such as ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, or persistent itching.
• Hearing loss or reduced hearing: When there is decreased hearing clarity, ringing in the ears, or hearing loss. Endoscopy can help identify the cause, such as fluid buildup or infection in the middle ear.
• Suspected otitis media or otitis externa: Endoscopy helps examine for inflammation, redness, or fluid accumulation in the ear, aiding in diagnosing and distinguishing between otitis media (middle ear) and otitis externa (outer ear).
• Suspected eardrum perforation: If there is suspicion of eardrum rupture or perforation due to trauma or infection, endoscopic foreign body removal allows doctors to closely observe the eardrum and assess the extent of damage.
• Foreign object in the ear: When a foreign object (such as an insect, small stone, or other small items) is lodged in the ear, endoscopy helps locate the object and assists in safe removal.
• Pre-surgical assessment: Before ear procedures or surgeries, endoscopy provides an overview of the ear condition, enabling appropriate treatment planning.
• Post-treatment examination: After treating infections or undergoing ear surgery, endoscopy can be used to check tissue recovery and ensure there are no complications.

Ear endoscopy should be performed when indicated by an ENT specialist to ensure safety and effectiveness in diagnosis and treatment.

What issues does endoscopic ear surgery treat?

Endoscopic ear surgery is utilized to address a variety of ear conditions. Below are some common medical conditions that require otoscopy for diagnosis and treatment.

• Chronic Otitis Media: Chronic infections of the middle ear can be draining—both literally and metaphorically. Endoscopic surgery can help by ventilating the middle ear and removing infected tissue.
• Tympanic Membrane Perforations: This condition involves a tear or hole in the eardrum, which can cause hearing loss and recurrent ear infections. An ear endoscope allows for precise repair, often via a procedure called tympanoplasty.
• Otosclerosis: Otosclerosis involves abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss. Endoscopic surgery allows for the precise removal of these bony overgrowths, often involving a stapedectomy, where part of the stapes bone is removed and replaced with a prosthesis.
• Cholesteatoma: Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum. If left untreated, it can lead to hearing loss, dizziness, and even life-threatening infections. With an ear endoscope, surgeons can effectively remove the cholesteatoma with precision.
• Acoustic Neuroma: Though less common, this non-cancerous tumor affects the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. Endoscopic surgery offers a less invasive option for tumor removal, preserving hearing and other functions.

The advantages of endoscopic ear surgery

Endoscopic ear surgery is one of the most common methods of treating ear diseases today. Doctors often prescribe this method due to some of its benefits:

• Minimally invasive: Compared to traditional methods, endoscopic surgery requires smaller incisions, leading to decreased pain and quicker recovery.
• Enhanced visualization: The ear endoscope provides a magnified view of the ear’s intricate structures, allowing for more precise surgical interventions.
• Reduced complications: With a targeted approach, there’s a lower risk of complications and damage to surrounding tissues.

Procedure for using an Ear Endoscope

The ear endoscopy procedure at HFH Hospital consists of 6 steps, in compliance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health:

• Step 1: Make an appointment with a specialist: Make an appointment and consult with a specialist to be prescribed an appropriate treatment plan.
• Step 2: Check health status: The patient informs about health status, underlying diseases, so that the anesthesiologist can prepare the appropriate amount of medication
• Step 3: Sign confirmation: The patient signs confirmation and completes the necessary paperwork.
• Step 4: Perform endoscopy: The specialist inserts an endoscope into the ear to check the pathological condition in the ear. In the case of performing ear endoscopy surgery, the doctor will perform other interventional procedures.
• Step 5: Recovery: The patient is taken to the recovery room after endoscopy.
• Step 6: Explain the results: After the patient is fully awake, the doctor will read and explain the results after endoscopy.

Conclusion, otoscopy is an important method to treat ear diseases. In some dangerous cases, patients need to undergo otoscopy surgery. With a specific otoscopy procedure, it will be easier for patients to prepare before the endoscopy.