How endoscopy changed ear problem diagnosis, treatment
The ear is one of the special sense organs in the body. The function of the ear is related to hearing and body balance, and these functions are achieved by some complex mechanisms. The ear has three parts — external ear or outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Basically, it collects the sound from the environment and conducts it to the inner ear.
Different kinds of sound produce different energy levels, through which we differentiate sound. For any disease or problem, the open approach used to be the only solution because of the organ’s minute structure. In open techniques, incisions and suturing were part of the traditional practice. But after the invention of endoscopy, open approaches are now being avoided.
The ear is an organ that is deep-seated in the body. Most of the time, it is difficult to diagnose and treat ear ailments like decreased hearing or recurrent ear discharge of pus. The problem seen on the surface may look less concerning but might be much more advanced deep inside.
Looking inside the body for medical reasons is called endoscopy. It’s done with the help of endoscopes. Endoscopy can be done through natural orifices or created small orifices like keyholes. In case of ear interventions, endoscopes are passed through the natural orifice of the ear canal and incisions are not required at all. These are known as minimally invasive natural orifice operations.
An endoscope is used to diagnose and treat the ear diseases and problems. It is a long rigid tube, fitted with a small camera at one end through which the doctor can examine the deep structures of the ear. The other end has a powerful and accurate lens that sends images from the deep structures.
By using endoscopic techniques, cuts and stitching around the ear are avoided. The diagnosis of ear problems like ear perforation, decreased hearing, recurrent ear discharge, ear blocks, unusual sounds in the ear, and vertigo can be done accurately. For treatment purposes, the endoscope is inserted through the natural orifice of the ear like the ear canal and surgical interventions are done.
With the scientific and technological development, ear endoscopy has become an important and advanced technique for ear treatments. The main advantage is to reduce the pain caused by surgery compared to traditional open surgery where wound and sutures are required. It reduces the length of stay in the hospital and enables fast recovery. Post operatively, it leaves no scars, unlike in traditional procedures. By avoiding wounds and stitches, swelling and complications are also avoided. This kind of surgery does necessitate superior surgical expertise which is acquired through high-end training and skills.
By using endoscopic techniques, cuts and stitching around the ear are avoided. The diagnosis of ear problems like ear perforation, decreased hearing, recurrent ear discharge, ear blocks and vertigo can be done accurately.”