Name: step-by-step stapedotomy through transcanal exclusive endoscopic approach
Uploaded: 2022-03-05T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Step-by-Step Stapedotomy through Transcanal Exclusive Endoscopic Approach at JoVE.com

This research has been conducted in accordance with ethical principles, including the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (2002) and the institutional human research ethics committee&#39;s guidelines (Comitato Etico dell&#39;Area Vasta Emilia Nord). The local ethical committee does not perform a formal ethical assessment for case reports.
1. Preparation of the patient
<ol>
	<li>After oro-tracheal intubation and general anesthesia, position the patient supine wi...

<ol>
	<li>Manna, S., Kaul, V. F., Gray, M. L., Wanna, G. B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+versus+microscopic+middle+ear+surgery:+A+meta-analysis+of+outcomes+following+tympanoplasty+and+stapes+surgery.">Endoscopic versus microscopic middle ear surgery: A meta-analysis of outcomes following tympanoplasty and stapes surgery.</a> Otology &amp; Neurotology. 40 (8), 983-993 (2019).</li><li>Das, A., Mitra, S., Ghosh, D., Sengupta, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+stapedotomy:+Overcoming+limitations+of+operating+microscope.">Endoscopic stapedotomy: Overcoming limitations of operating microscope.</a> Ear, Nose &amp; Throat Journal. 100 (2), 103-109 (2021).</li><li>Marchioni, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Complications+in+endoscopic+ear+surgery.">Complications in endoscopic ear surgery.</a> Otology &amp; Neurotology. 39 (8), 1012-1017 (2018).</li><li>Lucidi, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Disease-specific+quality+of+life+and+psychological+distress+after+endoscopic+tympanoplasty.">Disease-specific quality of life and psychological distress after endoscopic tympanoplasty.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 279 (1), 191-198 (2021).</li><li>Lucidi, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Does+microscopic+experience+influence+learning+curve+in+endoscopic+ear+surgery?+A+multicentric+study.">Does microscopic experience influence learning curve in endoscopic ear surgery? A multicentric study.</a> Auris, Nasus, Larynx. 48 (1), 50-56 (2020).</li><li>Kozin, E. D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Systematic+review+of+outcomes+following+observational+and+operative+endoscopic+middle+ear+surgery.">Systematic review of outcomes following observational and operative endoscopic middle ear surgery.</a> The Laryngoscope. 125 (5), 1205-1214 (2015).</li><li>Lucidi, D., Molinari, G., Reale, M., Alicandri-Ciufelli, M., Presutti, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Functional+results+and+learning+curve+of+endoscopic+stapes+surgery:+A+10-year+experience.">Functional results and learning curve of endoscopic stapes surgery: A 10-year experience.</a> The Laryngoscope. 131 (4), 885-891 (2020).</li><li>Fang, L., Xu, J., Wang, W., Huang, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Would+endoscopic+surgery+be+the+gold+standard+for+stapes+surgery+in+the+future?+A+systematic+review+and+meta-analysis.">Would endoscopic surgery be the gold standard for stapes surgery in the future? A systematic review and meta-analysis.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 278 (4), 925-932 (2021).</li><li>Fernandez, I. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+endoscopic+stapes+surgery+in+difficult+oval+window+niche+anatomy.">The role of endoscopic stapes surgery in difficult oval window niche anatomy.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 276 (7), 1897-1905 (2019).</li><li>Fernandez, I. J., Villari, D., Botti, C., Presutti, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Endoscopic+revision+stapes+surgery:+surgical+findings+and+outcomes.">Endoscopic revision stapes surgery: surgical findings and outcomes.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 276 (3), 703-710 (2019).</li><li>Molinari, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Taste+impairment+after+endoscopic+stapes+surgery:+do+anatomic+variability+of+chorda+tympani+and+surgical+technique+matter.">Taste impairment after endoscopic stapes surgery: do anatomic variability of chorda tympani and surgical technique matter.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. , (2021).</li><li>Alicandri-Ciufelli, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Rating+surgical+field+quality+in+endoscopic+ear+surgery:+proposal+and+validation+of+the+Modena+Bleeding+Score.">Rating surgical field quality in endoscopic ear surgery: proposal and validation of the Modena Bleeding Score.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 276 (2), 383-388 (2019).</li><li>Anschuetz, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Management+of+bleeding+in+exclusive+endoscopic+ear+surgery:+Pilot+clinical+experience.">Management of bleeding in exclusive endoscopic ear surgery: Pilot clinical experience.</a> Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 157 (4), 700-706 (2017).</li><li>House, J. W., Brackmann, D. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Facial+nerve+grading+system.">Facial nerve grading system.</a> Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. 93 (2), 146-147 (1985).</li><li>Marchioni, D., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Complications+in+endoscopic+ear+surgery.">Complications in endoscopic ear surgery.</a> Otology &amp; Neurotology. 39 (8), 1012-1017 (2018).</li><li>Campbell, K. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+basic+audiologic+assessment.">The basic audiologic assessment.</a> Essential Audiology for Physicians. , (1998).</li><li>Alicandri-Ciufelli, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Epinephrine+use+in+endoscopic+ear+surgery:+Quantitative+safety+assessment.">Epinephrine use in endoscopic ear surgery: Quantitative safety assessment.</a> ORL. 82 (1), 1-7 (2020).</li><li>Anschuetz, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Discovering+middle+ear+anatomy+by+transcanal+endoscopic+ear+surgery:+A+dissection+manual.">Discovering middle ear anatomy by transcanal endoscopic ear surgery: A dissection manual.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments: JoVE. (131), e56390 (2018).</li><li>Altamami, N. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Is+one+of+these+two+techniques:+CO2+laser+versus+microdrill+assisted+stapedotomy+results+in+better+post-operative+hearing+outcome.">Is one of these two techniques: CO2 laser versus microdrill assisted stapedotomy results in better post-operative hearing outcome.</a> European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 276 (7), 1907-1913 (2019).</li><li>Alicandri-Ciufelli, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Acquisition+of+surgical+skills+for+endoscopic+ear+and+lateral+skull+base+surgery:+A+staged+training+programme.">Acquisition of surgical skills for endoscopic ear and lateral skull base surgery: A staged training programme.</a> Acta Otorhinolaryngologica Italica. 38 (2), 151-159 (2018).</li><li>Anschuetz, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+ovine+model+for+exclusive+endoscopic+ear+surgery.">An ovine model for exclusive endoscopic ear surgery.</a> JAMA Otolaryngology - Head &amp; Neck Surgery. 143 (3), 247-252 (2017).</li></ol>

A protocol for totally EStS is herein proposed, to guide any otologic surgeon in performing stapes surgery endoscopically.
The first surgical step (elevation of the TMF) could be the bloodiest phase of the whole procedure, and it represents a challenge for the surgeon in relation to one-hand bleeding control13. Moreover, in otosclerosis cases, the tympanic membrane is intact; so maximal care should be paid not to damage it. As reported in our protocol, some technical hi...

The use of the endoscope in ear surgery has gradually increased since its first application in the 1990s, to treat a variety of middle ear pathologies, including otosclerosis1. As compared to the microscope, the endoscope guarantees a wide field of exposure, high magnification and resolution images, reduced bone removal and a significantly improved quality of life after surgery2,3,4.
The use of one hand has been mentioned as a limitation of the endoscopic technique, especially in functional procedures such as the stapes surgery5,6. However, a growing number of papers have shown that endoscopic stapes surgery (EStS) is feasible, safe, and has favorable outcomes, similar to the traditional stapedotomy7,8. Moreover, the endoscope has unraveled its full potential especially in patients with unfavorable anatomy or in revision cases, representing a valuable tool to support the surgeon in these demanding settings9,10. Limited manipulation of the chorda tympani and low rate of post-operative dysgeusia are further benefits of this technique11.
EStS could be challenging for surgeons who do not have much experience in the use of the endoscope. The problem of sharing the surgical field between the endoscope and the operating instruments could be easily overcome if proper instruments handling is understood. One-handed bleeding control in the narrow space of the external auditory canal (EAC) and the tympanic cavity could be frustrating for a novice surgeon12,13. Moreover, it is important to properly position the patient and set up the operating room in order to guarantee a comfortable setting for the surgeon across the entire operation.
The aim of this article is to show the surgical procedure of a transcanal exclusive endoscopic stapedotomy, from operating room set up and patient positioning to post-operative care. A step-by-step description of the procedure is reported, to allow any ear surgeon to understand and possibly reproduce such intervention.
We report the case of a 56-year-old female who underwent right transcanal EStS for bilateral otosclerosis. The patient reported slowly progressing and bilateral hearing loss (HL), without vertigo or tinnitus. While the right otoscopy was normal, the audiometric test demonstrated a right moderate mixed HL, with a mean preoperative bone conduction-pure tone average (BC-PTA) of 24&#160;dB, a mean preoperative air-conduction pure tone average (AC-PTA) of 71 dB, and a mean preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) of 47&#160;dB. The tympanogram was bilateral type A and stapedial reflexes were absent. No CT scan was deemed necessary as preoperative assessment.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Antifog solution</td>
			<td>GOLFF</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Aspirator system (40L/min power)</td>
			<td>EXTRUDAN SURGERY APS</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>4m long, dimeter ch25</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cold light source with cable</td>
			<td>STORZ</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Consumables: 
			- Iodopovidone solution 
			- Epinephrine 
			- Sterile water to rinse 
			- Spongostan (adsorbable hemostatic sponge)</td>
			<td>ETHICON INC.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cotton pads</td>
			<td>FARMAC ZABBAN</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>10x10cm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cottonoid pledgets</td>
			<td>CODMAN</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>10 surgical patties</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Endoscope</td>
			<td>STORZ</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>3mm diameter, 15cm length, 0&#176;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor in sterile and non-sterile syringe</td>
			<td>GALENICA SENESE</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>10 vials x 5ml</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Otologic set instruments</td>
			<td>STORZ</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>round knife, hook, curette, Bellucci scissors and Hartmann forceps, suction tubes</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Skeeter Drill</td>
			<td>MEDTRONIC</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>0.6 mm diamond burr</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stapes prosthesis</td>
			<td>SPIGGLE &#38; THEIS</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>0.6x4.75mm</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical scrub set for otologic patients</td>
			<td>EURONDA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical scrub set for operating surgeon</td>
			<td>EURONDA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Surgical scrub set for nurse</td>
			<td>EURONDA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vesalius molecular resonance electrosurgical unit</td>
			<td>TELEA ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Video equipment: 4K Camera 
			- HD screen 
			- Video processor (Image 1S system)</td>
			<td>STORZ</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

step-by-step stapedotomy through transcanal exclusive endoscopic approach

In recent years there has been an increasing trend in the use of the endoscope to treat a variety of middle ear pathologies, including otosclerosis. Several studies comparing traditional microscopic and endoscopic stapes surgery have reported similar hearing results and an overall low rate of complications. The endoscope has unraveled its full potential in demanding settings of stapes surgery, such as unfavorable anatomy of the oval window niche or revision cases. Reduced manipulation of the chorda tympani and low rate of post-operative dysgeusia are further benefits to mention for endoscopic stapes surgery.
Being a one-handed technique, management of bleeding, positioning, and crimping of the prosthesis may be challenging for novice endoscopic surgeons, so some training in endoscopic ear surgery is recommended before performing endoscopic stapedotomy. The problem of sharing the surgical field between the endoscope and the operating instruments could be easily overcome if proper instruments positioning is understood. One-handed bleeding control in the narrow space of the ear canal may represent an issue during the elevation of the tympano-meatal flap, possibly discouraging the surgeon since the preliminary steps of surgery. Following appropriate technique to raise the flap and the collaboration with the anesthesiology team in keeping the blood pressure low guarantee an adequate bleeding control in most cases.
The aim of this article is to describe the entire surgical procedure of a transcanal exclusive endoscopic stapedotomy, from operating room set up and patient positioning to post-operative care. A step-by-step description of the surgical maneuvers with technical hints is reported, to guide the surgeon across the procedure and allow any ear surgeon to perform stapes surgery endoscopically.

The patient had a normal post-operative course, without facial palsy or vertigo. The 6-month post-operative hearing test16&#160;is shown in Figure 3. The otoendoscopy showed regular healing of the tympanic membrane. The patient denied any taste impairment.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/63061/63061fig01.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Standard otologi...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Step-by-Step Stapedotomy through Transcanal Exclusive Endoscopic Approach at JoVE.com

Step-by-Step Stapedotomy through Transcanal Exclusive Endoscopic Approach

The aim of this article is to provide a step-by-step method for endoscopic stapes surgery from operating room setting and patient positioning to post-operative care. This work would represent a guide for any otologic surgeon who is willing to treat otosclerosis with endoscopic transcanal technique.

In recent years there has been an increasing trend in the use of the endoscope to treat a variety of middle ear pathologies, including otosclerosis. ...

Step-By-Step Stapedotomy through Transcanal Exclusive Endoscopic Approach. We are going to show a case of endoscopic stape surgery from operating room setting and patient positioning to postoperative care. I'm going to guide you through a step-by-step description of the surgical procedure with technical hints to allow any surgeon to perform stape surgery with a total endoscopic approach.A growing number of papers have shown that endoscopic stape surgery is safe, feasible, and has favorable outcomes similar to traditional stapedotomy. However, endoscopic stape surgery could be challenging for surgeons who do not have much experience with the use of the endoscope. The problem of sharing the surgical field between the endoscope and the operating instrument could be easily overcome if proper instruments ending is understood.One handed billion control could be sometimes frustrating for the novice surgeon. Moreover, it is important to properly position the patient and set up the operating room to guarantee a comfortable position for the surgeon across the entire procedure. We report a case of a 56-year-old female who came to our attention reporting slowly and progressive bilateral hearing loss without vertigo or tinnitus.While the right otoscopy was normal the audiometric test demonstrated a right moderate mixed hearing loss. The tympanogram was type A bilaterally and stapedial reflexes were absent, suggesting bilateral to sclerosis. No CT scan was deemed necessary as preparative assessment.After oro-tracheal intubation and general anesthesia position the patients supine with the head tilted towards the opposite side of the affected ear with the chin slightly hyper extended. Pull down the same-side shoulder as much as possible to create a wide angle between the head and the shoulder allowing easier access to the ear. Perform preliminary anesthesia injecting around 1-2 milliliters of local anesthetic diluted with a vasoconstrictor agent in four main points of the external auditory canal skin:posterior wall, superior and inferior angle and retrotragal region.Use an iodopovidone-soaked gauze goes to sterilize the whole external ear to create an aseptic field. Assure that iodopovidone enters the external auditory canal and reaches the tympanic membrane. The high resolution monitor is placed in front of the surgeon at his eyes level at adequate distance to keep a comfortable position of the head and neck during the surgery.Connect the 3 millimeter diameter, 15 centimeter length, zero degree endoscope to the high-definition digital camera and xenon light source. Keep the light source at 50%intensity to prevent heat damage to the inner ear. After doing white balance and adjusting focus prepare a quality de-misting solution to clean the endoscope tip.Under direct endoscopic vision, perform intraoperative anesthesia in the superior cell plane of the posterior wall of the canal. After cutting hairs of the most lateral part of the external auditory canal use the monopolar to delineate the tympano-meatal flap incision from 5 to 12 o'clock about 8 to 10 millimeter far from the annulus. Used the round knife to perform the actual skin incision following the previously marked line and raise the tympano-meatal flap with the help of epinephrine-soaked cottonoids.Once the annulus is identified as a white thickening of the tympanic membrane continue the dissection under it. Detach the pars flaccida from the short process of the malleus with Hartmann forceps, keeping the pars tensa adherent to the umbus. During this step, identify the chorda tympani as a whitish string emerging from the cordal eminence and leave it untouched.To achieve a good exposure of the oval window region, variable removal of the scutum and the posterior bony part of the external auditory canal should be performed through the curette. In some cases, even if the oval window region is fully exposed, some curettage is necessary to create a favorable working area on the stapes. To further expose the footplate, the nerve is usually displaced majorly with a hook.After confirming stapes fixation, use the micro drill with a 0.6 millimeter diamond burr to perform a posterior crurotomy. Then use the same burr to perform a hole in the middle posterior portion of the footplate. Cut to the stapedial tendon with Bellucci scissors.Now disarticulate the incus from the stapes with the help of a hook, and remove the stapes superstructure. Use the Fisch hook to regularize the footplate hole and check its adequate caliber, as well as to remove possible small bone fragments from the vestibule. Now it's time to insert the stapes prosthesis into the external auditory canal using the suction tube.Here, we are using a 0.6 per 4.75 millimeter prothesis. Gently position it into the stapedotomy hole with the help of a hook. Crimp the prosthesis hook after anchoring it to the long process of the incus.Gently pushing on the handle of the malleus check the proper movement of the prothesis. Replace the tympano-meatal flap and pack external auditor canal with resorbable hemostatic pledgets. Cover the auricle with an adhesive plaster no compression is needed.Allow the patient to drink, eat and stand up at least 8 hours post-operatively if no nausea or vomiting occurred. The following day assess the facial nerve function using the House-Brackman scale and the presence of spontaneous nystagmus with Frenzel goggles. Perform bone conduction pure tonal audiometry to exclude sensorineural hearing loss.The patient had a normal post-operative course without facial palsy or vertigo. The 6-month post-operative hearing test revealed a complete closure of the air-bone gap. The otoendoscopy showed regular healing of the tympanic membrane and the patient denied any taste impairment.This protocol could guide any otologic surgeon across endoscopic stape surgery. We suggest some training with basic procedures such as endoscopic myringotomy and myringoplasty before performing the endoscopic stapedotomy. Thank you for your attention.

step-step-stapedotomy-through-transcanal-exclusive-endoscopic

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models

The learning of microsurgical techniques and the maintenance of microsurgical skills have been traditionally based on the use of living animals, mainly laboratory rats. This method although extremely valuable can be economically demanding both for the surgeon and the sponsoring institution; it also requires special training facilities that may not always be available or accessible. Furthermore ethical concerns can limit the use of living animals for training purposes. Alternative training methods, such as inert tubes and gloves have not gained popularity among surgeons since they do not offer an experience similar to that of a clinical situation. Non-living animal models include the use of chicken thighs and wings; they offer a practice experience that resembles a clinical situation to a considerable extent. This type of training is relatively cheap and easily available. The microscope and instruments required can be acquired over the internet, and the chicken pieces can be bought at the local supermarket.
This approach allows a motivated trainee to rehearse different types of surgical techniques several times at a reasonable expense, helping to develop or maintain his surgical expertise if more complex facilities are not available. On the current manuscript we describe how to setup a small practice station, how to dissect the specimens, and how to practice both with the chicken thighs and with the chicken wings in a progressive fashion. This approach takes advantage on the versatility of the chicken thigh model and the small size of the chicken wing Brachial artery.

Here we describe how to set up a small microsurgical practice station and a simple and inexpensive method for the training of microsurgery with non-living animal models.

The learning of microsurgical techniques and the maintenance of microsurgical skills have been traditionally based on the use of living animals, mainly ...

Heterotopic Renal Autotransplantation in a Porcine Model: A Step-by-Step Protocol

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. It offers better life expectancy and higher quality of life when compared to dialysis. Although the last few decades have seen major improvements in patient outcomes following kidney transplantation, the increasing shortage of available organs represents a severe problem worldwide. To expand the donor pool, marginal kidney grafts recovered from extended criteria donors (ECD) or donated after circulatory death (DCD) are now accepted for transplantation. To further improve the postoperative outcome of these marginal grafts, research must focus on new therapeutic approaches such as alternative preservation techniques, immunomodulation, gene transfer, and stem cell administration.
Experimental studies in animal models are the final step before newly developed techniques can be translated into clinical practice. Porcine kidney transplantation is an excellent model of human transplantation and allows investigation of novel approaches. The major advantage of the porcine model is its anatomical and physiological similarity to the human body, which facilitates the rapid translation of new findings to clinical trials. This article offers a surgical step-by-step protocol for an autotransplantation model and highlights key factors to ensure experimental success. Adequate pre- and postoperative housing, attentive anesthesia, and consistent surgical techniques result in favorable postoperative outcomes. Resection of the contralateral native kidney provides the opportunity to assess post-transplant graft function. The placement of venous and urinary catheters and the use of metabolic cages allow further detailed evaluation. For long-term follow-up studies and investigation of alternative graft preservation techniques, autotransplantation models are superior to allotransplantation models, as they avoid the confounding bias posed by rejection and immunosuppressive medication.

Porcine models of organ transplantation provide an important platform to study mechanisms of organ preservation. This article describes a heterotopic porcine renal autotransplantation model, which allows investigating new approaches to improve the outcome of transplantation using marginal kidney grafts.

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients suffering from end-stage renal disease. It offers better life expectancy and higher quality ...

A Step by Step Protocol for Subretinal Surgery in Rabbits

Age related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and other RPE related diseases are the most common causes for irreversible loss of vision in adults in industrially developed countries. RPE transplantation appears to be a promising therapy, as it may replace dysfunctional RPE, restore its function, and thereby vision.
Here we describe a method for transplanting a cultured RPE monolayer on a scaffold into the subretinal space (SRS) of rabbits. After vitrectomy xenotransplants were delivered into the SRS using a custom made shooter consisting of a 20-gauge metallic nozzle with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coated plunger. The current technique evolved in over 150 rabbit surgeries over 6 years. Post-operative follow-up can be obtained using non-invasive and repetitive in vivo imaging such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) followed by perfusion-fixed histology.
The method has well-defined steps for easy learning and high success rate. Rabbits are considered a large eye animal model useful in preclinical studies for clinical translation. In this context rabbits are a cost-efficient and perhaps convenient alternative to other large eye animal models.

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) replacement strategies and gene-based therapy are considered for several retinal degenerative conditions. For clinical translation, large eye animal models are required to study surgical techniques applicable in patients. Here we present a rabbit model for subretinal surgery geared towards RPE transplantation, which is versatile and cost-efficient.

Age related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and other RPE related diseases are the most common causes for irreversible loss of vision in ...

Discovering Middle Ear Anatomy by Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery: A Dissection Manual

The middle ear is located in the center of the temporal bone and bears a highly complex anatomy. The recently introduced exclusively endoscopic transcanal approach to the middle ear is a minimally invasive technique sparing the bone and mucosa of the mastoid bone, since the middle ear is accessed through the external auditory canal. This emerging method has several advantages over the traditional (microscopic) approaches to the middle ear such as the panoramic wide-angle views of the anatomy, the possibility to approach and magnify tiny structures, and the possibility of looking around the corner using angled endoscopes.
The cadaveric dissection method presented here consists of an overview on the technical requirements and a precise description of a step-by-step protocol to discover the anatomy of the middle ear. Each step and anatomical structure is carefully described in order to provide a comprehensive guide to endoscopic ear anatomy. In our opinion, this is particularly important to any novice in endoscopic ear surgery as it provides thorough anatomical knowledge and may improve surgical skills.

The aim of this article is to describe the methodology of exclusively endoscopic cadaveric middle ear dissection. Moreover, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide to endoscopic middle ear anatomy.

The middle ear is located in the center of the temporal bone and bears a highly complex anatomy. The recently introduced exclusively endoscopic transcanal ...

The Microscopic Transcanal Approach in Stapes Surgery Revisited

The microscopic transcanal (aka transmeatal) surgical approach was first described in the 60s, offering a minimally invasive means of reaching the external auditory canal, the middle ear, and epitympanon. Such an approach avoids a retroauricular or endaural skin incision; however, working through a narrow space needs angled microsurgical instruments and specific training in otologic surgery. The transcanal approach restricts the working space; however, it offers a binocular microscopic vision into the middle ear without extended skin incisions and thus, reducing post-operative pain and bleeding. In addition, this minimally invasive approach avoids scar tissue complications, hypoesthesia of the auricle, and potential protrusion of the pinna. Despite its numerous advantages, this method is still not routinely performed by otologic surgeons. Since this minimally invasive technique is more challenging, there is a need for extensive training in order for it to be widely adopted by otologic surgeons. This article provides step-by-step surgical instructions for stapes surgery and reports possible indications, pitfalls, and limitations using this microscopic transcanal technique.

This article describes the microscopic transcanal technique for stapes surgery, providing step-by-step surgical instructions for familiarizing surgeons with this approach.

The microscopic transcanal (aka transmeatal) surgical approach was first described in the 60s, offering a minimally invasive means of reaching the ...

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy

The manuscript describes the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) for thyroid lobectomy. The patient is placed in the supine position with extension and fixation of the neck. One 20 mm transverse incision and two 5 mm incisions are made through the mucosa of the oral vestibule for camera and instrument placement after disinfection of the skin and oral cavity. The workspace is established and maintained by the skin suspension device, which is made of unabsorbable string (3-0) and rubber bands, and the CO2 insufflation pressure. Lobectomy using a medial-to-lateral technique and prophylactic ipsilateral central neck dissection is performed simultaneously on patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). The specimen is extracted through the 20 mm incision. The parathyroid gland is immediately searched for in the specimen and auto-transplanted to the left brachioradialis. A drainage tube is inserted through the retractor hole into the bed of the thyroid gland, and absorbable sutures are used to close the mucosal incisions in the oral vestibule and the linea alba cervicalis. Prophylactics administered intravenously are recommended for the first 24 h after surgery, and oral antibiotics are used for 7 days postoperatively.

Here, we present a protocol to describe the methodology for the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach in detail.

The manuscript describes the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) for thyroid lobectomy. The patient is placed in the supine ...

Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach

For patients with early, low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma, an increasing number are opting for endoscopic thyroid surgery due to its ability to achieve favorable therapeutic outcomes while maintaining excellent cosmetic results. Among the available endoscopic procedures, the Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Trans-axillary Approach (GETTA) has gained popularity among surgeons. This is attributed to its straightforward cavity construction, spacious operating area, precise visual field exposure, and manageable learning curve. However, few studies have provided detailed descriptions of the specific surgical steps involved in GETTA. Drawing from a synthesis of existing literature and our own clinical expertise, we present a comprehensive outline of the GETTA procedure. This process can be categorized into five distinct stages: positioning and incision planning; establishment of surgical cavities; identification and protection of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, inferior parathyroid gland, and central neck dissection; localization and preservation of the superior laryngeal nerve, superior parathyroid gland, and dissection of the thyroid's superior pole; transection of the thyroid isthmus followed by en bloc resection of the thyroid gland and central neck lymph nodes. The five-step approach of GETTA is easy to learn and can be adapted for resecting both benign and malignant thyroid and parathyroid diseases.

Gasless Endoscopic Thyroidectomy via the Trans-Axillary Approach

This protocol presents the procedure for conducting thyroidectomy using the gasless endoscopic thyroidectomy trans-axillary approach (GETTA).

For patients with early, low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma, an increasing number are opting for endoscopic thyroid surgery due to its ability to ...

Robot-Assisted Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Congenital Cholesteatoma

Congenital cholesteatoma accounts for 25% of cholesteatoma cases in children. Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery (TEES) is ideal for these patients because it offers a wide endoscopic view of the middle ear and a minimally invasive approach. The two main limitations are the loss of one operative hand and a narrow external auditory canal in younger children. Here, we present the case of a 3-year-old patient with a Potsic stage III congenital cholesteatoma adherent to the incus and branches of the stapes. A robotic-assisted TEES procedure was performed, during which a robotic arm with 6 degrees of freedom held a 0&#176;, 2.9 mm wide endoscope, enabling the surgeon to work in a narrow environment with both hands. The procedure's duration was 2 h and 9 min, including 16 min for the installation and draping of the robotic arm. After a trans-canal approach, the cholesteatoma was dissected from the ossicles using both a needle (or sickle knife) and suction to stabilize the ossicles and limit the risk of hearing trauma. The cholesteatoma was debulked to reduce its size, allowing it to be pushed under the malleus anteriorly and then separated from other adherences before removal. A tragal cartilage graft was used to reinforce the tympanic membrane.

This protocol describes the removal of congenital cholesteatoma using minimally invasive transcanal endoscopic ear surgery with a two-handed approach and a robotic endoscope holder.

Congenital cholesteatoma accounts for 25% of cholesteatoma cases in children. Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery (TEES) is ideal for these patients because ...

A Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide for Exclusive Endoscopic Ossiculoplasty

Techniques of Endoscopic Ossiculoplasty

The utilization of endoscopes in modern otology has evolved from diagnostic purposes to the development of exclusive endoscopic ear surgery. This technique offers a panoramic view of the middle ear and provides an optimal magnification of the oval window region, the stapes' suprastructure, and the footplate, allowing great precision in prosthesis positioning during ossiculoplasty (OPL). Various techniques for ossicular chain reconstruction have been described in the literature. Either autologous or synthetic materials can be used for reconstruction. The use of a patient's own tissue minimizes the risk of implant rejection or extrusion of the prosthesis through the tympanic membrane. On the other hand, synthetic materials like titanium are light and rigid and do not require time-consuming prosthesis remodeling. The main objective of this article is to present a comprehensive step-by-step guide that serves as a surgical manual for exclusive endoscopic OPL. This guide will explain various forms of OPL using synthetic and autologous materials. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various surgical techniques and support the integration into clinical practice.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Endoscopic Ossiculoplasty &#8211; Techniques, Innovations, and Practical Guidance for Clinical Integration

Exclusive Endoscopic ossiculoplasty (EEO) is a promising and minimally invasive approach for the treatment of conductive hearing loss due to ossicular chain disruptions and associated middle ear pathologies. Herein, step-by-step instructions and a discussion of various endoscopic ossiculoplasty techniques are presented.

The utilization of endoscopes in modern otology has evolved from diagnostic purposes to the development of exclusive endoscopic ear surgery. This ...

Exclusive Endoscopic Incus Interposition

To begin, prepare all the necessary surgical tools and equipment for the procedure After elevation of the tympanomeatal flap and establishing access to the middle ear, use a needle dissector to detach the chorda tympani from the long process of the incus. Then slightly resect the scutum with the ultrasonic device or a bone curette. Identify the incudostapedial joint and cautiously disarticulate the lenticular process from the stapes head using a micro hook or a small round knife.Then gently push the incus upward to detach it from the head of the malleus. and remove the incus by pulling the long process inferiorly and then laterally. To grind the graft, hold the inus using a grasping forceps and use a diamond bur to carefully drill both the long and short processes of the incus until the level of the incus body is reached.On the opposite side of the former long process, drill an acetabulum approximately one millimeter wide to accommodate the stapes head. Next, position the remodeled incus inside the tympanic cavity. Using a microsuction tip or a needle, precisely locate the acetabulum onto the stapes head, and if appropriate, the anterior surface in contact with the malleus handle.Stabilize the incus into position using resorbable gelatin sponges, and close the tympanomeatal flap. The overall graft intake rate showed a success rate of 98.3%Preoperatively, the average air-bone gap was 25.24 decibels, whereas after surgery, the average air-bone gap significantly reduced to 17.10 decibels.