Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery for management of ossicular malformation: clinical outcomes of 17 cases

Background In recent years, transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) is known as an innovative and minimally invasive surgery. Aims To clarify the usefulness of TEES for the ossicular malformation, we performed a retrospective study. Material and methods We examined cases of ossicular malformation performed using TEES at our hospital between April 2015 and April 2020. Results The hearing level results were countable for 16 cases. Post-operative hearing levels were significantly improved. Transient nausea, tongue paralysis, and taste disorders were observed; however, no other complications were observed. In 2015-2018, some of the cases required the assistance of a surgical microscope. In contrast, all the cases were performed by TEES after 2019 using a powered device to curve the canal. Conclusions and significance TEES requires considerable training, and the sensation of depth is difficult to acquire. However, this less invasive method is also helpful for ossicular malformation cases.