Introduction of Endoscopic Ear Surgery to Scotland
Mr Iyer has been practising Endoscopic Ear Surgery, a pioneering surgical technique, for the last 6 years. Traditionally ear surgery was carried out with a skin incision either in the front or the back of the ear. This way a lot of soft tissue retraction was needed before the surgeon actually reached the middle ear. This would lead to post-operative pain, scar and the need to pack the ear canal which might be left in place for 2-3 weeks. Even after extensive drilling of bone around the ear, there were inaccessible areas in middle ear. Due to the popularity of the new technique, Mr Iyer (In association with the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow) has founded an international course for other surgeons to learn the procedure.
Advantages to the surgeon
Endoscopic ear surgery is minimally invasive surgery through the ear canal itself using rigid endoscopes. There are several advantages to the surgeon including direct access to middle ear and superior visualisation of areas that are difficult to see with a microscope. There is evidence in literature to show that using endoscopes in ear surgery will help to reduce residual disease.
Advantages to the patients
Advantages to the surgeon
Endoscopic ear surgery is minimally invasive surgery through the ear canal itself using rigid endoscopes. There are several advantages to the surgeon including direct access to middle ear and superior visualisation of areas that are difficult to see with a microscope. There is evidence in literature to show that using endoscopes in ear surgery will help to reduce residual disease.
Advantages to the patients
- No external incision / Scar
- Less pain
- Performed as a day case
- Not much packing in the ear so less discomfort
- Speedy recovery
