Getting Started with Endoscopic Ear Surgery

Because endoscopic technology has matured over the past several decades, ear surgeons have increasingly used endoscopy to address some of the limitations of operative microscopy. The wide field of view and high-resolution images provided by endoscopes allow for improved visualization of the tympanic cavity using minimally invasive surgical portals compared with the standard operative binocular microscope. The endoscope is becoming an essential tool in the otologist’s armamentarium. In this article, the authors discuss rationale for endoscopic ear surgery, terminology and classification, surgical indications, essential equipment, surgical ergonomics, and practical steps to incorporate endoscopic ear surgery into practice.