Endoscopic Ear and Nose Surgery

Endoscopic ear and nose surgery, also known as endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and endoscopic ear surgery (EES), are minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the ear and nasal passages. These surgeries involve the use of an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light source attached to it. The endoscope allows surgeons to visualize and access the internal structures of the ear and nose without making large incisions, thus reducing trauma, pain, and recovery time for patients.

Here's an overview of each:

1. Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (ESS):

   • ESS is primarily used to treat chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, sinus tumors, and other conditions affecting the sinuses.
   • During the procedure, the surgeon inserts the endoscope through the nostrils to access the sinus cavities.
   • With the help of tiny instruments, the surgeon can remove diseased tissue, open blocked sinus passages, and improve drainage.
   • ESS is associated with less bleeding, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery compared to traditional sinus surgery techniques.

2. Endoscopic Ear Surgery (EES):

   • EES is a newer technique used to treat various ear conditions, including chronic otitis media (middle ear infection), cholesteatoma (benign growth in the middle ear), and certain types of hearing loss.
   • Instead of traditional open surgery, where an incision is made behind the ear, EES involves inserting the endoscope through the ear canal.
   • This allows the surgeon to visualize the ear structures, such as the tympanic membrane (eardrum), ossicles (small bones in the middle ear), and the Eustachian tube, without the need for a large incision.
   • With EES, surgeons can perform procedures such as tympanoplasty (repair of the eardrum), ossiculoplasty (reconstruction of the ossicles), and removal of cholesteatoma with greater precision and minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.