Ossicular chain reconstruction: endoscopic or microscopic?

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the results of endoscopic and microscopic ossicular chain reconstruction surgery.MethodsPatients undergoing ossicular chain reconstruction surgery via an endoscopic (n = 31) or microscopic (n = 34) technique were analysed for age, gender, Middle Ear Risk Index, ossicular chain defect, incision type, ossicular chain reconstruction surgery material, mean air conduction threshold, air–bone gap, air–bone gap gain, word recognition score, mean operation duration and mean post-operative follow up.ResultsPost-operative air conduction, air–bone gap and word recognition score improved significantly in both groups (within-subject p < 0.001 for air conduction and air–bone gap, and 0.026 for word recognition score); differences between groups were not significant (between-subject p = 0.192 for air conduction, 0.102 for air–bone gap, and 0.709 for word recognition score). Other parameters were similar between groups, except for incision type. However, endoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction surgery was associated with a significantly shorter operation duration (p < 0.001).ConclusionEndoscopic ossicular chain reconstruction surgery can achieve comparable surgical and audiological outcomes to those of microscopic ossicular chain reconstruction surgery in a shorter time.