Endoscopy is not suitable if the disease is extensive. By this we mean if the disease extends right up to the mastoid tip. For such conditions, you need to open up the whole area, and since these tissues are already damaged, opening the area is unlikely to cause much extra damage. Otolaryngology / ENT MULTIFUNCTIONAL — It’ s convenient for daily inspection of your ears, nose, mouth, gums, throat, hair roots and other parts of the body. With the help of an endoscope, your doctor can send a tiny camera into your body to perform operations that were previously thought impossible. In previous articles we’ve looked at how everything from heart operations to knee replacementsthat have benefited from this technology. Today, we’re interviewing Mr Anthony Owa, celebrated ENT surgeon, about how the humble endoscope has revolutionised ear surgery.

Some surgeons would argue that the fact you need to use an endoscope with one hand is a disadvantage. In my experience, it is only a slight disability, and many surgeons are able use endoscope holders if they find it too difficult to operate with one hand. What are the advantages for the patient? Mr Owa is an expert in his field, having presented on several ENT topics at many national and international conferences and has taught on sinus and ear surgery courses both in the UK and overseas. After qualifying in medicine at the University of Benin, Nigeria, he trained in both London and Cambridge, before joining the the North Thames Oto-laryngology specialist training programme in 1997. He later completed a fellowship in Utah, USA, for which he was awarded the American Neuro-otology Society Fellows Award for 2002. Marchioni D, Alicandri-Ciufelli M, Grammatica A, Mattioli F, Presutti L. Pyramidal eminence and subpyramidal space: an endoscopic anatomical study: pyramidal eminence and subpyramidal space. Laryngoscope. 2010;120(3):557–64.ADJUSTABLE LIGHT — T he brightness of 6 LED lights can be adjusted by the dimming button. The light is soft and will not dazzle your eyes. Bernardeschi D, Lahlou G, De Seta D, Russo FY, Mosnier I, Sterkers O. 3D endoscopic ear surgery: a clinical pilot study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2018;275(2):379–84.

Presutti L, Alicandri-Ciufelli M, Cigarini E, Marchioni D. Cochlear schwannoma removed through the external auditory canal by a transcanal exclusive endoscopic technique: CS removed through the EAC by a transcanal approach. Laryngoscope. 2013;123(11):2862–7.Ayache S, Tramier B, Strunski V. Otoendoscopy in cholesteatoma surgery of the middle ear: what benefits can be expected? Otol Neurotol. 2008;29(8):1085–90. Tarabichi M, Arsiwala Z. History of endoscopic ear surgery. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2021;54(1):1–9. This paper outlines the history of endoscopy from point of view of the first surgeon to employ the endoscope as the sole surgical tool for ear procedures.

Jufas N, Marchioni D, Tarabichi M, Patel N. Endoscopic anatomy of the protympanum. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2016;49(5):1107–19. USB CONNECTORS — You can easily connect the ear set almost with any device by 3 types of USB connectors: Micro USB, USB and Type C. Marchioni D, Soloperto D, Bianconi L, Guarnaccia MC, Genovese E, Presutti L. Endoscopic approach for cochlear implantation in advanced otosclerosis: a case report. Auris Nasus Larynx. 2016;43(5):584–90.Once all of the important areas have been inspected, the nasoscope is then gently pulled out of the nose.