Endoscopic-Assisted Repair of Superior Canal Dehiscence

Abstract

Superior canal dehiscence (SCD) is a bony defect of the superior canal that can cause vestibular and/or auditory symptoms. Surgical repair of SCD provides effective relief from symptoms, and the middle fossa craniotomy approach with binocular microscopy offers direct visualization and surgical access to the arcuate eminence. However, for SCDs located along the downsloping tegmen medial to the peak of the arcuate eminence, a direct light of sight may be obscured, rendering visualization with traditional microscopy difficult. The endoscope is the ideal adjunct in middle fossa craniotomy approach SCD surgery and offers a safe, effective means to identify and repair arcuate eminence defects hidden from microscopic view.

Keywords: Endoscope; Endoscopic ear surgery; Lateral skull base; Middle fossa craniotomy; Otology; Superior canal dehiscence; Superior canal dehiscence syndrome.