BackTable / ENT / Podcast / Episode #17
Endoscopic Ear Surgery
with Dr. Rivas and Dr. Isaacson
We chat with Dr. Brandon Isaacson and Dr. Alejandro Rivas on the topic of Endoscopic Ear Surgery, including tips and tricks for success, as well as pitfalls to avoid.
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BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2021, March 2). Ep. 17 – Endoscopic Ear Surgery [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
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Podcast Contributors
Dr. Alejandro Rivas
Dr. Alejandro Rivas is the Division Chief of Otology/Neurotology in the University Hospitals Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in Ohio.
Dr. Brandon Isaacson
Dr. Brandon Isaacson is a Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Dr. Ashley Agan
Dr. Ashley Agan is a practicing ENT and assistant professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX.
Dr. Gopi Shah
Dr. Gopi Shah is a practicing ENT at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX.
Show Notes
In this episode, Dr. Alejandro Rivas and Dr. Brandon Isaacson join Dr. Gopi Shah and Dr. Ashley Agan to discuss endoscopic ear surgery.
Dr. Rivas and Dr. Isaacson describe the evolution of endoscopic ear surgery and its adoption in the United States. They emphasize the utility of the endoscopic approach for visualization of the middle ear.
They then delve into indications and anatomic considerations when selecting the endoscopic approach. Dr. Isaacson states that for most diseases limited to the middle ear, he uses the endoscopic approach. For extensive mastoid disease, aggressive cholesteatomas, or skull base disorders, he prefers the microscope. Dr. Rivas touches upon his guidelines for selecting his approach for cholesteatomas and notes that the presence of ossicular or lateral canal erosion or an ossified mastoid typically preclude his use of the endoscope. He then highlights the benefit of the endoscopic approach in congenital, pediatric, and revision procedures. The advantages of both the endoscopic and microscopic approaches are also considered.
The discussion then focuses on optimal pre-operative and anesthesia set up to limit bleeding in endoscopic ear surgery. Lastly, the role of using endoscopes for a thorough ear exam is emphasized.
Resources
Dr. Rivas Twitter Handle: @Alejorivasc
Dr. Isaacson’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43ovy9FzRT9OtBF2tUDjsg
International Working Group of Endoscopic Ear Surgery:
https://iwgees.org
Online Dissecting Course from Sydney:
https://sydneyearendoscopy.com/free-online-dissection-guide/
Dr. Isaacson and colleague’s work on endoscopic ear surgery outcomes in pediatric ossiculoplasty:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.28526
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.