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Here, we present a transcanal transpromontorial approach for vestibular schwannomas using a computer-based three-dimensional (3D) imaging system combined with a two-dimensional (2D) endoscope. This system provided stereoscopic vision, better depth perception and reduced visual fatigue. This 3D imaging system enabled the application of 3D vision technology in endoscopic lateral skull base surgery.
A 2D monocular endoscope has been used in transcanal transpromontory vestibular schwannoma surgery instead of craniotomy. However, the absence of depth perception is the limitation of this approach. With the loss of depth perception, the surgeon will be not able to perform delicate and particularly complicated surgery. A binocular endoscope has been developed to provide stereoscopic vision with better depth perception for complicated anatomic structures and has been applied in some endoscopic surgeries. However, the diameter of the endoscope is a limitation in the performance of transcanal otologic surgeries. A small diameter endoscope facilitates easier surgery in a restricted space. A computer-based 3D imaging system can obtain 3D images in real-time using a small monocular endoscope. In this study, to evaluate the feasibility of a computer-based 3D imaging system for endoscopic lateral skull base surgery, we applied this 3D imaging system in a transcanal transpromontorial approach in two patients with vestibular schwannomas. The surgical procedure was completed without complication in these two cases. There was no mortality, perioperative complications, nor notable postoperative complications. Using this computer-based 3D imaging system, a better depth perception and stereoscopic vision was observed compared to a conventional 2D endoscope. The improvement in depth perception offers superior management of the complicated surgical anatomy.
Minimally invasive surgery has become mainstream. Many techniques have been developed, such as the da Vinci robot system and the endoscope. However, the equipment and cost of da Vinci robotic surgery are bulky and very high, respectively. Compared to the conventional craniotomy surgery, the endoscopic transcanal transpromontorial approach for resection of vestibular schwannoma has been developed to decrease the risks of vestibular dysfunction and cerebrospinal fluid leak1. However, lack of stereoscopic vision is still the main limitation of endoscopic surgery, especially for complicated ear surgeries2. Hence, the 3D endoscope was developed to imitate the binocular disparity to generate stereopsis of operative vision3,4. However, the caliber of the currently available 3D binocular endoscope is equal to or greater than 4 mm, making its application in transcanal endoscopic ear surgeries difficult. In addition, when the 3D binocular endoscope is used at close range, its large binocular parallax may lead to double vision.
A monocular 3D endoscope was first introduced in sinus surgeries in 20135. This monocular 3D endoscope system incorporates a microscopic array of lenses in front of a single video chip in the endoscope, acting as separate visual receptors. This method mimics “insect eye” technology, which in turn generates 3D vision. A novel computer-based 3D imaging system was first applied in transurethral endoscopic surgery in 20156. The processor simulates a 3D image by converting the conventional 2D endoscopic image into a pair of images, as received from two viewpoints. The major advantage of this computer processing system is that it can be adapted to conventional monocular endoscopes of any diameter. Both abovementioned 3D imaging systems have not been previously used in otologic surgery. We applied the computer-based imaging processor to endoscopic ear surgeries, including tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, ossiculoplasty and cochlear implant2. This image system has some advantages for transcanal endoscopic ear surgeries. First, we can use all the equipment from the 2D endoscope system and do not need to change the whole system. Second, the caliber of the scope is no longer a concern. The average diameter of the external ear canal is 7 mm in width7; the caliber of the instruments (e.g., hook, dissector, and forceps) is approximately 1–2 mm. Thus, the proper caliber of the endoscope is restricted for transcanal ear surgeries. The common calibers of the 2D endoscope for otologic surgery are 3, 2.7 and 1.9 mm, and all of them could be used with this computer-based processor. Therefore, a smaller diameter 2D endoscope equipped with a novel 3D imaging system can be easily and conveniently applied in otologic surgery and enable ear surgeons to operate with 3D vision. In our previous work, we also found that there is no time delay and no visual fatigue when performing ear surgeries using this computer-based 3D endoscopic system2.
In this study, to evaluate the feasibility of the computed-based 3D imaging system for endoscopic lateral skull base surgery, we applied this 3D imaging system to the transcanal endoscopic transpromontorial approach for two patients with vestibular schwannomas with nonserviceable preoperative hearing.
The protocol follows the guidelines of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital’s Human Research Ethics Committee. Ethical approval for the experiment was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the hospital (IRB No. 201600593B0).
1. Patient position and skin marking
2. Local anesthesia and incision in the ear canal
3. Canaloplasty
4. Insertion of the endoscope and setting of the 3D imaging system
5. Approach to the inner ear and tumor resection
6. Post-operative procedure
We had performed two cases of vestibular schwannoma resection through the transcanal endoscopic transpromontorial approach in our hospital.
Case 1
A 35-year-old male was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type II with multiple cranial nerve schwannomas and a left side vestibular schwannoma. He had almost complete hearing loss for 1 year before the operation. He underwent the transcanal endoscopic transpromontorial approach because of the sudden worsening of left facial pal...
Endoscopic ear surgery has become more popular. However, the main limitation is the lack of stereoscopic vision when compared to a microscopic surgery. The use of a 3D endoscope may be difficult in transcanal ear surgery because of the limited space in the external ear canal. In this study, we applied a 3D computer-based processing system with a conventional 2D endoscope in the transcanal transpromontorial approach for vestibular schwannoma resection and evaluated its clinical feasibility for lateral skull base surgery. ...
The authors have nothing to disclose.
The present study was supported, in part, by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital under Grant Nos. CMRPG3J0701, CORPG3F0851 and by the Ministry of Science and Technology (Taiwan) under Grant No. MOST-108-2314-B-182A-109.
Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
2D endoscope HOPKINS Straight Forward Telescope 0, with 3, 2.7,1.9 mm diameter | Karl Storz, Germany | 7220AA, 7220BA, 7220FA, 7229AA 1232A | |
3D medical LCD monitor LMD-2451 MT | Sony, Japan | 22220055-3 9524 N 22201020-1xx | Image 1 Hub HD |
computer-based 3D imaging system | Shinko Optical, Japan | HD-3D-A | |
Piezosurgery instrument | Mectron, Carasco/Genova, Italy | MP3-a30 |
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