Abstract
Ear surgery had been generally performed using microscopic approach. However, the straight-line view provided by the microscope results in blind corners, and residual cholesteatoma can be left behind. In recent years, transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) has been increasingly performed, particularly in cholesteatoma surgery. The endoscope coupled with a full high-definition camera system offers many advantages over the microscope, including a wider angle of view usually encompassing the entire tympanic cavity and a better magnified visualization of hidden structures such as sinus tympani, sinus subtympanicus in retrotympanum and tympanic isthmus. This greatly enhanced visualization gives surgeons greater confidence and allows them to make better informed decisions during surgery. This article shows a full detail of “in vivo” endoscopic middle ear anatomy using rigid endoscopes with an outer diameter of 2.7 mm and a full high-definition camera. The ear surgeon should be familiar with “endoscopic” anatomy of middle ear so that TEES can be a minimally invasive, secure and functional surgical technique for middle ear pathology.
