Introduction Otitis Media Acute otitis media (AOM) and chronic otitis media with effusion are conditions well known to all otolaryngologists. Infants are predisposed to otitis media because of their immune-compromised state and altered angulation of the eustachian tube (ET). Later…
Introduction Keratosis obturans (KO) and external auditory canal cholesteatomas (CC) are uncommon diseases of the external auditory canal that share the common characteristic of a buildup of desquamated keratin in the ear canal. Since the 19th century, KO and CC…
Introduction Osteomas and exostoses are benign bone growths found in the temporal bone, most commonly in the bony external auditory canal (EAC). The structure of the EAC takes a tortuous route from the external auditory meatus to the tympanic membrane…
Introduction The acute event resulting from entrapment of a foreign body in the ear canal will bring most patients to the attention of a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner. Patients may be treated in a variety of settings including…
Introduction In the practice of otology, the various surgical procedures extend along a spectrum from the clinic to the operating room. The procedures performed in the clinic recapitulate the same surgical techniques used in the operating room. For this reason,…
Introduction Over the past 15 years, significant improvements in surgical techniques coupled with technological advancements have led to the ability to remove complex skull base tumors using endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). EES is applicable for a wide variety of surgical…
Introduction The superior aspects of the cervical spine (C1 and C2) and the craniovertebral junction are difficult to access via a transcervical approach. Traditionally, a transoral/transpalatal approach has been used, but is associated with significant morbidity. With the advent of…
Introduction Juvenile angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare, benign tumor that is found almost exclusively in adolescent males. The pathogenesis of JNA remains undefined, although hormonal and genetic factors have been implicated. JNA arises in the lateral nasopharynx near the sphenopalatine…
Introduction A variety of surgical approaches to the infratemporal fossa (ITF) have been developed to address pathologies in specific areas while attempting to preserve the function of key neurovascular structures. Indeed, intimate knowledge of the anatomy and a multidisciplinary evaluation…
Introduction The petrous portion of the temporal bone is a pyramid-shaped bone wedged between the greater wing of the sphenoid and the occipital bone. Its base is composed of the bony labyrinth (semicircular canals and cochlea); its anterosuperior surface makes…