Utility of an Ultrasonic Aspirator in Transcanal Endoscopic Resection of Temporal Bone Paraganglioma

Endoscopic transcanal coblation excision of glomus tympanicum: a novel technique

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of coblation in excision of glomus tympanicum tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study carried out over 28 patients with types I and II glomus tympanicum tumors according to GLASSCOCK-JACKSON classification. Preoperative radiological and endocrinal evaluation were performed. All patients underwent endoscopic transcanal excision of their glomus tympanicum tumors using coblation.

RESULTS

None of the patients developed recurrence during the 1-year follow up period proved radiologically. None of the patients developed facial palsy postoperatively. Differences between preoperative and postoperative dizziness and taste disturbance were statistically non-significant. Tinnitus disappeared completely in 22 patients postoperatively. A statistically significant reduction in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) after surgery was found. Statistically significant reductions in postoperative air conduction (AC) threshold and air bone gap (ABG) were recorded while bone conduction (BC) threshold showed statistically non-significant change.

CONCLUSION

Coblation is an effective and safe tool in excision of glomus tympanicum tumors. Further studies comparing coblation with laser and piezosurgery are strongly recommended.

Microscopic Versus Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Early-Stage Glomus Tympanicum Tumors

Purpose: Glomus tympanicum tumors are benign primary tumors of the middle ear that can be completely removed using modern surgery. We compared endoscopic ear surgery (EES) to traditional microscopic ear surgery (MES) in terms of the removal of early-stage glomus tympanicum tumors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 25 cases treated from 2003 to 2021 that were of Grade I or II based on the Glasscock-Jackson classification system. Overall, 18 cases underwent MES: 8 via trans-tympanic bone and 10 via canal-wall-down or canal-wall-up tympanomastoidectomy (CWDT or CWUT) and 7 underwent EES. We compared surgery durations, the lengths and costs of hospitalization, postoperative complications, and relapse rates between the two groups and among the three specific operation ways. Results: The postoperative follow-up period ranged from 1 to 19 years. There was no between-group difference in operative time or the length or cost of hospitalization. Operative time and cost of hospitalization did not show a statistically significant correlation to the three surgical procedures, whereas it was found that the group of MES via the trans-tympanic bone had shorter length of hospitalization when compared with CWUT or CWDT group. All tumors were completely resected; pulsatile tinnitus improved in all patients, and there was no major complication. Two patients who underwent CWUT or CWDT (one each) relapsed; no patient relapsed in the EES group. Conclusion: MES via the trans-tympanic bone and EES via the ear canal safely and reliably remove early-stage tumors without excessive patient discomfort.

Piezoelectric ear surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The piezoelectric instrument (PEI) offers a novel technique for bone removal in ear surgery with a combination of micro-oscillation and cavitation. The aim of this review is to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of this instrument in comparison to the drill.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. The primary selection included all studies reporting on the use of PEI in ear surgery or its effect on the inner ear. Only studies with a control group were included in the secondary selection.

RESULTS

The first search identified 49 studies between 2003 and 2022. These reported on a total of 1162 ear operations, during which PEI was used for various indications. Most data were based on uncontrolled retrospective studies or case reports (76%). Only one of the five controlled clinical studies was prospective and randomized. The advantages of PEI weighed against its limitations and disadvantages were critically analyzed in comparison to the drill.

CONCLUSION

Piezoelectric surgery is an innovative and promising surgical technique in the temporal bone. PEI appears to enable safer and more precise bone removal in close proximity to soft tissue when compared to the drill. The slower bone removal and cost factors represent current limitations to its wider use in ear surgery.

[Piezoelectric ear surgery: a systematic review. German version]

BACKGROUND

The piezoelectric instrument (PEI) offers a novel technique for bone removal in ear surgery with a combination of micro-oscillation and cavitation. The aim of this review is to explore the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of this instrument in comparison to the drill.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. The primary selection included all studies reporting on the use of PEI in ear surgery or its effect on the inner ear. Only studies with a control group were included in the secondary selection.

RESULTS

The first search identified 49 studies between 2003 and 2022. These reported on a total of 1162 ear operations, during which PEI was used for various indications. Most data were based on uncontrolled retrospective studies or case reports (76%). Only one of the five controlled clinical studies was prospective and randomized. The advantages of PEI weighed against its limitations and disadvantages were critically analyzed in comparison to the drill.

CONCLUSION

Piezoelectric surgery is an innovative and promising surgical technique in the temporal bone. PEI appears to enable safer and more precise bone removal in close proximity to soft tissue when compared to the drill. The slower bone removal and cost factors represent current limitations to its wider use in ear surgery.

Transcanal Endoscopic Management of Glomus Tympanicum: Multicentric Case Series

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to report a multicentric surgical experience in the exclusive endoscopic management of glomus tympanicum (GT).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series review at two institutions.

SETTING

Tertiary referral centers.

PATIENTS

The study included 30 patients who underwent exclusive transcanal excision of GT between 2010 and 2017 at the two referral centers.

INTERVENTIONS

Exclusive endoscopic transcanal excision of GT type A1, A2, and B1 (modified Fisch-Mattox classification). All surgical procedures were performed by two senior surgeons (L.P.; M.B.).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

For each procedure, intraoperative features of the disease, postoperative complications, and functional outcomes were evaluated. Recurrent or residual diseases were clinically and radiologically assessed during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

None of the patients treated with transcanal endoscopic approach (TEA) experienced intraoperative complications, nor required conversion to microscopic approach. Gross total resection (GTR) was obtained in 90% of the cases, while a near total resection was advocated when the residual pathology had a close relationship with the internal carotid artery. Mean hospitalization time was 1.6 (±0.8 SD) days and no postoperative complications were reported. No recurrences were reported in the GTR group after a mean follow-up period of 38.1 (±28.7 SD) months.

CONCLUSIONS

Middle ear paragangliomas with no mastoid involvement (Class A1, A2, and B1) can be safely managed by means of a transcanal endoscopic approach. Low rate of postoperative complications, short hospitalization, and high rate of gross total resection demonstrate that TEA is a safe and effective procedure.