Premium
Fallopian Bridge Technique in Surgery for Chronic Ear Disease
Author(s) -
Pensak Myles L.,
Friedman Rick A.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-199711000-00006
Subject(s) - medicine , cholesteatoma , bridge (graph theory) , surgery , disease , pathology
Abstract Disease that lies in the posterior mesotympanum, including inflammatory polyps, cholesterol granuloma, and cholesteatoma, is often difficult to extirpate. The literature reflects a divided and often controversial opinion regarding the removal of the bony posterior canal wall to reach this disease. Recently, endoscopic visualization has been advocated to enhance exposure. Employing a fallopian bridge technique wherein the bone medial to the facial nerve is opened into the posterior mesotympanum the authors have used this approach in selective circumstances to optimize the eradication of disease. Three hundred patients undergoing tympanomastoidectomy were included in this analysis. The fallopian bridge technique was attempted in 58 cases and was successfully employed in 42 patients. Indications as well as limitations for this procedure are discussed.