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Endoscopic or Microscopic Tympanoplasty Advantages and Disadvantages: A Theory Domain Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction

Tympanoplasty is a reparative surgery that has multiple indications. The aid of a microscope or an endoscope is necessary to carry out the procedure. The classic method utilizes the microscope; however, in the recent decades, the endoscope has been popular. Although many articles try to compare these two techniques, there is still no robust evidence that confirms the superiority of either technique. In the present work, we seek to perform a systematic review contribute with this discussion.

Objectives

The present systematic review attempted to compare endoscopic and microscopic surgery techniques and to discover whether there would be superiority in the results of any of them, based on data currently available in the literature.

Data Synthesis

The objectives of the present review were organized according to the PICO planning and strategy adapted for systematic reviews. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were established aiming to select only select primary data. The main medical databases were searched usingan optimized search string with appropriate descriptors. The searched databases were MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, and EMBASE. A total of 99 studies were selected and 38 were fully assessed after the inclusion criteria were applied. All included articles were reviewed by all authors and their results were discussed and summarized.

Conclusion

The endoscopic technique was shown to be a safer technique comparable in effectiveness to the use of microscopy. In addition, it provides possible advantages such as shortening the surgical time and better postoperative pain outcomes.

Keywords
tympanoplasty; endoscopes; microsurgery; otologic surgical procedure; natural orifice endoscopic surgery

Introduction

Endoscopes were used for the first time in the context of otorhinolaryngology in cholesteatoma removal procedures and myringoplasties.11 Thomassin JM, Korchia D, Doris JM. Endoscopic-guided otosurgery in the prevention of residual cholesteatomas. Laryngoscope 1993;103(08):939–943 They are currently used as a primary or auxiliary device in a variety of middle ear procedures, including tympanoplasty, ossiculoplasty, and cochlear implant surgery.22 Tarabichi M. Endoscopic management of cholesteatoma: long-term results. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122(06): 874–881,33 el-Guindy A. Endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty. J Laryngol Otol 1992;106(06):493–495,44 Karhuketo TS, Puhakka HJ. Endoscope-guided round window fistula repair. Otol Neurotol 2001;22(06):869–873 The microscopic technique is still widely used, since it has considerable advantages, such as stereoscopic vision together with amplified surgical vision, and the possibility of using the two hands of the surgeon to handle the equipment, facilitating the removal of blood from the operative field during the procedures.55 Emre IE, Cingi C, Bayar Muluk N, Nogueira JF. Endoscopic ear surgery. J Otol 2020;15(01):27–32 However, characteristics of microscopes such as narrow-angle vision and straight field of view do not allow a wide observation of more hidden areas of the middle ear, such as the facial recess, the attic, the epitympanum, and the tympanic sinus, requiring the performance of procedures such as bone curettage or anterior canaloplasty, in addition to external incisions.66 Ayache S, Tramier B, Strunski V. Otoendoscopy in cholesteatoma surgery of the middle ear: what benefits can be expected? Otol Neurotol 2008;29(08):1085–1090,77 Kozin ED, Lee DJ. Basic principles of endoscopic ear surgery. Oper Tech Otolaryngol Neck Surg 2017;28(01):2–10 Endoscopes, especially angular ones, guarantee direct access to these hidden areas,88 Kiringoda R, Cohen MS. Endoscopic tympanoplasty. Oper Tech Otolaryngol Neck Surg 2017;28(01):17–22. Doi: 10.1016/j. otot.2017.01.003
https://doi.org/10.1016/j. otot.2017.01....
besides offering considerable benefits, such as panoramic view, high definition and magnification without loss of resolution, simplicity in obtaining zoom, and less chance of incisions or perforations, given that the light source is located at the tip of the endoscope itself.99 Akyigit A, Sakallıoglu O, Karlidag T. Endoscopic tympanoplasty. J Otol 2017;12(02):62–67 In addition, the endoscopic approach, being minimally invasive, can guarantee more satisfactory results for patients1010 Plinkert P, Löwenheim H. Trends and perspectives in minimally invasive surgery in otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Laryngoscope 1997;107(11 Pt 1):1483–1489 and a better chance of education for trainees during the procedures.1111 Gokgoz MC, Tasli H, Helvacioglu B. Results of endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty performed by a young surgeon in a secondary hospital. Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol (Engl Ed) 2020;86(03):364–369 Therefore, it is still important to elucidate and clarify the relationship of relative benefits and disadvantages between the two techniques. In the present review, it is also discussed whether there would be superiority in the choice of any of them, to allow a more adequate choice for the surgeon, considering their technical experience, and for the patient, taking into account their medical indication and adequacy to the results and peri- and postoperative implications. The aim of the present study was to compare the benefits and disadvantages of each technique, endoscopic and microscopic, applied in tympanoplasty.

Literature Review

Research Protocol

The present systematic review was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations.1212 Moher D, Shamseer L, Clarke M, et al; PRISMA-P Group. Preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement. Syst Rev 2015;4(01):1. Doi: 10.1186/2046-4053-4-1
https://doi.org/10.1186/2046-4053-4-1...
A PRISMA flow diagram was used to describe the flow of information throughout the various phases of the systematic review. The present study used qualitative methods to examine the results.

In the present study, the main question was to evaluate what were the benefits of endoscopic over microscopic tympanoplasty, with “to verify which method is safer, comparing the endoscopic technique with the microscopic one” as the primary objective and with “identify possible advantages and disadvantages of each technique, as well as possible benefits in choosing these treatments” as the secondary objective.

PICO Strategy Adapted for Systematic Review

Intervention (what will be seen in the review): Raising of a hypothesis of primary data from studies that assess the benefits of endoscopic versus microscopic tympanoplasty treatment. Control (already established background, exploratory analysis): The endoscopic technique offers a less invasive access, as well as better visualization of the middle ear structures, which led to the hypothesis of safer procedures and better postoperative periods for patients, when compared with the microscopic technique. Population (group of articles that will be observed): Primary data articles that show the differences and benefits of endoscopic tympanoplasty compared with microscopic treatment.

Expected results: A list with plausible hypotheses that justify or explain the superiority of one treatment over another. Application/Outcome (who will benefit): The entire scientific community that seeks to better understand the advantages and benefits of one treatment over another and to assess the main issues that may support possible future research aimed at better understanding the physiology behind these benefits.

Research Strategy

The authors searched the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, SciELO, and Lilacs databases for all available articles reporting comparison between the endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty techniques. The string used for searching the databases was as follows, considering titles and abstracts: (endoscopic tympanoplasty) AND (microscopic tympanoplasty) AND (outcomes OR benefits OR hearing outcomes).

Eligibility Criteria

All primary data articles were considered eligible studies. Thus, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, case-control, cohort, case reports, and controlled clinical trials have been revised. Studies were included without restriction of language, period, or location.

All controlled clinical trial studies that contained terms found in their titles or abstracts by searching the databases using the complete string with optimized keywords and organized with Boolean operators were selected. Therefore, only primary studies that evaluated the outcome and comparison between treatment with endoscopic tympanoplasty and microscopic tympanoplasty were selected.

Exclusion Criteria

Secondary data studies published in the form of letters to the editor, guidelines, literature reviews, narrative reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyzes, and abstracts were excluded.

Studies that did not describe the specificities chosen by the researchers as an objective for the present research or that were unclear were also excluded. Other exclusion criteria were: 1) Articles that did not investigate any pathophysiological, symptomatic, subjective, or objective outcome or result related to treatment with endoscopic or microscopic tympanoplasty; 2) articles that did not specify in detail in the study methodology how each investigated favorable results or outcomes were evaluated; 3) articles in a language other than English that are not fully available in English; and 4) duplicates.

Data Analysis

The process of analyzing and extracting information from selected and eligible studies was performed using a specific form for systematic reviews prepared by the authors in Microsoft Excel software (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA). In this form, the title and abstract of each selected study were first added. Then, all titles and abstracts were read by the authors to seek and apply the inclusion and exclusion criteria for each one. Based on titles or abstracts, the articles were selected for full reading, and those that met at least one inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria were included. In case of disagreement between evaluators, a third evaluator made the decision on the eligibility of the study in question.

Study Selection

After the studies were searched and listed, the authors evaluated full texts of eligible articles based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria were as follows:11 Thomassin JM, Korchia D, Doris JM. Endoscopic-guided otosurgery in the prevention of residual cholesteatomas. Laryngoscope 1993;103(08):939–943 Article whose main or secondary objective was to identify and/or explore favorable and/or unfavorable outcomes of treatment by endoscopic tympanoplasty and microscopic tympanoplasty22 Tarabichi M. Endoscopic management of cholesteatoma: long-term results. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122(06): 874–881; and articles whose primary or secondary objective was to compare treatment by endoscopic tympanoplasty with microscopic tympanoplasty. The following types of publications were excluded:11 Thomassin JM, Korchia D, Doris JM. Endoscopic-guided otosurgery in the prevention of residual cholesteatomas. Laryngoscope 1993;103(08):939–943 Articles that did not investigate any pathophysiological, symptomatic, subjective, or objective outcome related to treatment with endoscopic or microscopic tympanoplasty22 Tarabichi M. Endoscopic management of cholesteatoma: long-term results. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122(06): 874–881; articles that did not specify in detail in the study methodology how each investigated favorable outcome was evaluated;33 el-Guindy A. Endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty. J Laryngol Otol 1992;106(06):493–495 articles in a language other than English that do not have full text available in English;44 Karhuketo TS, Puhakka HJ. Endoscope-guided round window fistula repair. Otol Neurotol 2001;22(06):869–873 publications whose original articles were inaccessible (only abstracts were available) and/or in which incomplete data were provided;55 Emre IE, Cingi C, Bayar Muluk N, Nogueira JF. Endoscopic ear surgery. J Otol 2020;15(01):27–32 duplicates;66 Ayache S, Tramier B, Strunski V. Otoendoscopy in cholesteatoma surgery of the middle ear: what benefits can be expected? Otol Neurotol 2008;29(08):1085–1090 systematic reviews (since this type of article does not provide primary data).

Collected Data

The authors reviewed all relevant studies and independently extracted data, which were put in a chart with their characteristics, to qualitatively compile the results. Any discrepancies were resolved by consensus between the authors. The list of all included studies and their respective study designs is described in the results.

Clinical Outcome

The clinical outcomes of interest were summarized and systematically analyzed, comparing studies with similar designs and contrasting divergent results. The clinical outcomes of interest from each included study were highlighted and discussed. Studies that did not present results or outcomes referring to at least one analyzed technique were not included in the sample of the present review.

Results

The first phase of the present systematic review found 99 articles in 4 databases. After deleting 18 duplicate studies, 81 studies were selected by the reviewers for reading their titles and abstracts. Of these, 28 articles were excluded according to the established exclusion criteria and 15 articles were included in the second step, which consisted of reading the entire manuscript. The entire article selection process is described in ►Fig. 1, which shows the PRISMA flow diagram for the inclusion of articles.

Fig. 1
PRISMA diagram. Source: developed by the authors.

All articles included in the present study were reviewed by the authors and their results and conclusions were discussed to summarize all the results and support the discussion on the topic. The highlights of each article and the design of each study are shown in ►Table 1.

Table 1
Endoscopic Tympanoplasty Compared with Microscopic Tympanoplasty: Study Designs and Conclusions of Included Studies

A total of 31 included retrospective studies evaluated and compared the success of the surgical technique and the effectiveness of the two techniques in the final anatomical result, graft success, and hearing recovery in patients (airbone gap), all of which obtained a similar positive result, with no statistically significant difference between the endoscopic and the microscopic approach. The duration of surgery was compared in 21 of these studies,1313 Botti C, Fermi M, Amorosa L, et al. Cochlear function after type-1 tympanoplasty: endoscopic versus microscopic approach, a comparative study. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2020;277(02): 361–366. Doi: 10.1007/s00405-019-05706-z
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05706...
,1414 Choi N, Noh Y, Park W, et al. Comparison of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty to Microscopic Tympanoplasty. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2017;10(01):44–49. Doi: 10.21053/ceo.2016.00080
https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2016.00080...
,1515 Cohen MS, Landegger LD, Kozin ED, Lee DJ. Pediatric endoscopic ear surgery in clinical practice: Lessons learned and early outcomes. Laryngoscope 2016;126(03):732–738,1616 Dündar R, Kulduk E, Soy FK, et al. Endoscopic versus microscopic approach to type 1 tympanoplasty in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2014;78(07):1084–1089,1717 Dunya G, Casazza GC, Blotter J, Park EJ, Park AH. Comparing two different techniques to repair pediatric anterior tympanic membrane perforations. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021; 150 (April):110903. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110903
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.11...
,1818 Fina M, Yang R, Asche SE, Yueh B. Comparison of outcomes in endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty. Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg (United States) 2016;155:107,1919 Gulsen S, Baltacı A Comparison of endoscopic transcanal and microscopic approach in Type 1 tympanoplasty. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2021;87(02):157-163. Doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.07.005
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.07....
,2020 Gülşen S, Aricl M Endoscopic transcanal versus conventional microscopic tympanoplasty in treatment of anterior tympanic membrane perforations. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019;276 (12):3327-3333. Doi: 10.1007/s00405-019-05646-8
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05646...
,2121 Guneri EA, Cakir Cetin A. Ossicular chain reconstruction: endoscopic or microscopic? J Laryngol Otol 2020;134(12):1108-1114,2222 Hargunani CA, King E, Milczuk HA, MacArthur CJ. Endoscopic ear surgery in children with down syndrome. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020;131(January):109884. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020. 109884
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2020. 1...
,2323 Hsu YC, Kuo CL, Huang TC. A retrospective comparative study of endoscopic and microscopic Tympanoplasty. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018;47(01 ):44,2424 Huang TY, Ho KY, Wang LF, Chien CY, Wang HM. A comparative study of endoscopic and microscopic approach type 1 tympanoplasty for simple chronic otitis media. J Int Adv Otol 2016;12(01 ): 28-31,2525 Karataş M, Doğan S. Endoscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty in pediatric patients. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2019;121(February):10-14,2626 Kim DJ, Lee HM, Choi SW, Oh SJ, Kong SK, Lee IW. Comparative study of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty performed by a single experienced surgeon. Am J Otolaryngol - Head Neck Med Surg 2021;42(01):102788. Doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102788
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.10...
,2727 Kuo C-H, Wu H-M. Comparison of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2017;274(07): 2727–2732,2828 Lee S, Cho HH. Transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasty for pediatric patients under 15 years of age with chronic otitis media. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2020;13(01):41-46,2929 Li B, Asche S, Yang R, Yueh B, Fina M. Outcomes of Adopting Endoscopic Tympanoplasty in an Academic Teaching Hospital. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2019;128(06):548-555,3030 Li KH, Chan LP, Chen CK, et al. Comparative Study of Endoscopic and Microscopic Type I Tympanoplasty in Terms of Delayed Facial Palsy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021;164(03):645-651,3131 Min J, Kim SH. Comparison of transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasty with sterile acellular dermal allograft to conventional endaural microscopic tympanoplasty with tragal perichondrium. Am J Otolaryngol 2018;39(02):167-170. Doi: 10.1016/j. amjoto.2017.11.014
https://doi.org/10.1016/j. amjoto.2017.1...
,3232 Ohki M, Kikuchi S, Tanaka S. Endoscopic Type 1 Tympanoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media: Comparative Study with a Postauricular Microscopic Approach. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 161 (02):315-323,3333 Sanji R, Channegowda C, Patil S. Retrospective evaluation of the surgical result of tympanoplasty for inactive chronic otitis media and comparison of endoscopic versus microscopic tympanoplasty. Indian J Otol. 2016;22(03):171-176,3434 Shakya D, Kc A, Nepal A. A Comparative Study of Endoscopic versus Microscopic Cartilage Type I Tympanoplasty. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2020;24(01):e80-e85,3535 Shakya D, KC A, Tamang N, Nepal A. Endoscopic versus microscopic type-I cartilage tympanoplasty for anterior perforation - a comparative study. Acta Otolaryngol 2021;141(02):135-140. Doi: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1834616
https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489.2020.18...
,3636 Zhang Y, Wang W, Xu K, Hu M, Ma Y, Lin P. Comparison of clinical outcome between endoscopic and postauricular incision microscopic type-1 tympanoplasty. Acta Otolaryngol 2021;141(01): 29–33. Doi: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1821091
https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489.2020.18...
13 of which reported a shorter surgical time in the endoscopic technique.1414 Choi N, Noh Y, Park W, et al. Comparison of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty to Microscopic Tympanoplasty. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2017;10(01):44–49. Doi: 10.21053/ceo.2016.00080
https://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2016.00080...
,1616 Dündar R, Kulduk E, Soy FK, et al. Endoscopic versus microscopic approach to type 1 tympanoplasty in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2014;78(07):1084–1089,1818 Fina M, Yang R, Asche SE, Yueh B. Comparison of outcomes in endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty. Otolaryngol - Head Neck Surg (United States) 2016;155:107,1919 Gulsen S, Baltacı A Comparison of endoscopic transcanal and microscopic approach in Type 1 tympanoplasty. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 2021;87(02):157-163. Doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.07.005
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.07....
,2020 Gülşen S, Aricl M Endoscopic transcanal versus conventional microscopic tympanoplasty in treatment of anterior tympanic membrane perforations. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2019;276 (12):3327-3333. Doi: 10.1007/s00405-019-05646-8
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-019-05646...
,2121 Guneri EA, Cakir Cetin A. Ossicular chain reconstruction: endoscopic or microscopic? J Laryngol Otol 2020;134(12):1108-1114,2222 Hargunani CA, King E, Milczuk HA, MacArthur CJ. Endoscopic ear surgery in children with down syndrome. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020;131(January):109884. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020. 109884
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2020. 1...
,2424 Huang TY, Ho KY, Wang LF, Chien CY, Wang HM. A comparative study of endoscopic and microscopic approach type 1 tympanoplasty for simple chronic otitis media. J Int Adv Otol 2016;12(01 ): 28-31,2525 Karataş M, Doğan S. Endoscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty in pediatric patients. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2019;121(February):10-14,2626 Kim DJ, Lee HM, Choi SW, Oh SJ, Kong SK, Lee IW. Comparative study of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty performed by a single experienced surgeon. Am J Otolaryngol - Head Neck Med Surg 2021;42(01):102788. Doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102788
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.10...
,2727 Kuo C-H, Wu H-M. Comparison of endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2017;274(07): 2727–2732,2828 Lee S, Cho HH. Transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasty for pediatric patients under 15 years of age with chronic otitis media. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol 2020;13(01):41-46,2929 Li B, Asche S, Yang R, Yueh B, Fina M. Outcomes of Adopting Endoscopic Tympanoplasty in an Academic Teaching Hospital. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2019;128(06):548-555,3030 Li KH, Chan LP, Chen CK, et al. Comparative Study of Endoscopic and Microscopic Type I Tympanoplasty in Terms of Delayed Facial Palsy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021;164(03):645-651,3131 Min J, Kim SH. Comparison of transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasty with sterile acellular dermal allograft to conventional endaural microscopic tympanoplasty with tragal perichondrium. Am J Otolaryngol 2018;39(02):167-170. Doi: 10.1016/j. amjoto.2017.11.014
https://doi.org/10.1016/j. amjoto.2017.1...
,3333 Sanji R, Channegowda C, Patil S. Retrospective evaluation of the surgical result of tympanoplasty for inactive chronic otitis media and comparison of endoscopic versus microscopic tympanoplasty. Indian J Otol. 2016;22(03):171-176,3434 Shakya D, Kc A, Nepal A. A Comparative Study of Endoscopic versus Microscopic Cartilage Type I Tympanoplasty. Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2020;24(01):e80-e85,3535 Shakya D, KC A, Tamang N, Nepal A. Endoscopic versus microscopic type-I cartilage tympanoplasty for anterior perforation - a comparative study. Acta Otolaryngol 2021;141(02):135-140. Doi: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1834616
https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489.2020.18...
,3636 Zhang Y, Wang W, Xu K, Hu M, Ma Y, Lin P. Comparison of clinical outcome between endoscopic and postauricular incision microscopic type-1 tympanoplasty. Acta Otolaryngol 2021;141(01): 29–33. Doi: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1821091
https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489.2020.18...
The postoperative recovery time and level of pain presented by patients were evaluated by nine retrospective studies, seven of which had a significant difference in favor of endoscopic tympanoplasty, showing a great improvement in both the pain reported by the patients and the length of stay in the hospital.

The selection also included four prospective studies that found a shorter surgical time in endoscopic tympanoplasty. In addition, the postoperative period was better for the patients in these studies, both in terms of length of stay and referred pain. Both techniques demonstrated similar results in tympanic membrane closure and graft success rate. Hearing improvement was significant and equivalent in both groups and the complication rate did not show any statistically significant difference in the results. Two randomized clinical trials were also included in the present study, both evaluating hearing outcomes and obtaining equivalence between the two techniques. The anatomical closure presented better results in the endoscopic approach, as well as in the postoperative complications, which were minimized; besides, the endoscopic approach allows a better visualization of the middle ear structures. Surgery time was shorter in one of the studies and the postoperative period proved to be much more advantageous in the endoscopic technique.

Only one study evaluated cost-effectiveness parameters, using a simulated mathematical model in the Taiwanese healthcare system, and no significant difference was found between the cost-effectiveness of each technique. However, it is important to point out that these values may vary depending on the reality of each service, as well as on the available materials and professionals. Thus, the biggest difference was that the endoscopic approach, probably because it is less invasive, had a lower cost of postoperative consultation, while the microscopic approach had a slightly higher cost.

Discussion

None of the 38 studies analyzed showed inferiority between the techniques when they were compared regarding surgical outcomes, such as the success rates of the grafts performed or postoperative complications at the surgical site. This indicates an adequate comparison in the safety and effectiveness of the endoscopic approach in technical terms in relation to the traditional microscopic approach. Moreover, despite being more recent and not yet fully incorporated in all hospital services, the endoscopic approach demonstrates a promising capacity to be included and used in large scale. However, endoscopy may still be preferentially indicated when addressing regions known to be difficult for the microscopic technique. Thus, surgeries involving manipulation of the epitympanum, the retrotympanum, or the attic may have a greater weight in the choice of endoscopy, aiming at the complete removal of lesions without the permanence of unseen remnants.

Li et al. also state that endoscopic results are positive and suitable even for surgeons in transition in relation to techniques, allowing for good safety even during the learning curve of the physician.2929 Li B, Asche S, Yang R, Yueh B, Fina M. Outcomes of Adopting Endoscopic Tympanoplasty in an Academic Teaching Hospital. Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2019;128(06):548-555

However, it should be noted that, in certain studies, the use of the microscope as a comparative technique was not isolated. In many cases, despite the convenience of using both hands and greater knowledge and adaptation to microscopy, the endoscopes served as an aid for a final review of the surgical site, in order to analyze the unreachable places for the microscope and to reduce the chances of lingering injuries. In one of the articles, Cohen et al.1515 Cohen MS, Landegger LD, Kozin ED, Lee DJ. Pediatric endoscopic ear surgery in clinical practice: Lessons learned and early outcomes. Laryngoscope 2016;126(03):732–738 even use a didactic classification to adequately specify at what level the endoscope was used as an aid in microscopic surgery (whether only to enlarge the visualization or even to aid in curettage), being able, therefore, to standardize its results and those of subsequent studies, bringing greater clarity to the analyses.

On the other hand, among the 31 articles that evaluated audiometric outcomes, none found significant differences in hearing recovery between the microscopic and the endoscopic approach, which prompts a discussion about the importance of immediate indication of speech and cognitive approaches for patients with complications resulting from chronic otitis media, cholesteatomas, or other conditions that may compromise the ossicular chain. Considering especially the most vulnerable groups, which would be the extremes of age, hearing impairment can lead to important consequences on language, understanding, and socialization. Thus, the very need for a surgical approach to the tympanic membrane and the analysis of audiometric results subsequent to the procedure should trigger the attention of the surgeon to adequately and early advise on the performance of speech therapy or even the indication of the use of individual sound amplification hearing aids in more complicated and chronic conditions.

There is a theoretical basis that indicates the possibility of an increase in temperature in the middle ear due to the use of the flashlight at the tip of the endoscope and in important proximity to the middle and internal structures of the ear during surgery; however, none of the studies analyzed in the present study list any outcomes related to this situation, in addition to demonstrating very similar audiometric outcomes between the evaluated techniques.

Positive factors related to the endoscopic approach to the tympanic membrane include its cost-effectiveness or lower cost, in addition to shorter surgical, anesthetic, and hospital stay, which were found in 13 studies.3636 Zhang Y, Wang W, Xu K, Hu M, Ma Y, Lin P. Comparison of clinical outcome between endoscopic and postauricular incision microscopic type-1 tympanoplasty. Acta Otolaryngol 2021;141(01): 29–33. Doi: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1821091
https://doi.org/10.1080/00016489.2020.18...
,3737 Tseng CC, Lai MT, Wu CC, Yuan SP, Ding YF. Cost-effectiveness analysis of endoscopic tympanoplasty versus microscopic tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media in Taiwan. J Chin Med Assoc 2018;81(03):284–290. Doi: 10.1016/j.jcma.2017.06.024
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcma.2017.06.0...
In addition, aesthetic and postoperative pain outcomes also favored the choice of this technique in seven analyses. In the approach of pediatric patients, the safety in choosing endoscopy was even considered superior, considering the narrowness of the auditory meatus in children, the possibility of tragal incision, and the wide field of vision made possible by the endoscopic camera.2525 Karataş M, Doğan S. Endoscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty in pediatric patients. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2019;121(February):10-14

In the present systematic review, 31 evaluated articles followed the retrospective methodology, based on the analysis of past cases. Only two were randomized clinical trials. Thus, the possibility of biases presents during the selection of patients, the choice of procedures, and the data analysis itself should be pointed out, since these are factors that reduce the quality of evidence. More randomized and prospective studies are needed to more accurately measure complication rates, surgery time, postoperative pain, and audiometric outcomes. Comparative studies related to myringoplasty surgeries were not included in the present, since this is an approach with its own characteristics and which is naturally less invasive.

Although still under study, the endoscopic technique has already shown a very positive potential to become an alternative both as an aid and as a total approach for tympanoplasties, especially when it comes to beneficial results for the patient (aesthetic result, pain, time to hospitalization, and comparable surgical quality). For an adequate choice, therefore, the surgeon must keep in mind that both the microscopic and the endoscopic technique have in fact comparable results, postoperative complications, and audiometric outcomes, and that the endoscopic approach can provide more comfort for the patient regarding pain and aesthetics. However, the availability of adequate materials in each service, the costs involved in the technique and hospitalization, in addition to the experience of the physician and comfort regarding the procedure are essential points to be considered.

Final Comments

The studies analyzed in the present study demonstrate that the results obtained in terms of tympanic membrane closure, audiometric results, and complication rates in tympanoplasties by the endoscopic approach are equivalent to the results obtained by the conventional microscopic method, in addition to allowing, in many cases, less surgical time and less postoperative pain for patients.

  • Funding
    The author(s) received no financial support for the research.

References

  • 1
    Thomassin JM, Korchia D, Doris JM. Endoscopic-guided otosurgery in the prevention of residual cholesteatomas. Laryngoscope 1993;103(08):939–943
  • 2
    Tarabichi M. Endoscopic management of cholesteatoma: long-term results. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000;122(06): 874–881
  • 3
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    04 Sept 2023
  • Date of issue
    Jul-Sep 2023

History

  • Received
    16 Feb 2022
  • Accepted
    21 Mar 2022
  • Published
    13 July 2022
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