Use of the ORBEYE™ Exoscope for the Treatment of Presumed Postoperative Cholesteatoma of the External Auditory Canal: A Case Report
- 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Modena, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41125 Modena, Italy
- 2Otolaryngology and Audiology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- 3Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Abstract
Background/Objectives: To describe the technical feasibility of fully exoscopic management of an unusually extensive external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC). Methods: We report a 26-year-old man with advanced right EACC and a history of ipsilateral myringoplasty approximately 15 years previously; a postoperative origin was suspected but could not be established. Clinical, radiological, surgical, and follow-up findings are described. Results: Imaging revealed extensive erosion of the superior EAC and adjacent temporal bone with mass effect on the right temporal lobe. The ORBEYE™ 4K three-dimensional exoscope was used throughout the operation, including dissection along exposed dura and hearing-preserving reconstruction. An intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred at the middle cranial fossa dura and was controlled during surgery, without persistent postoperative leakage. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. Based on the reported four-frequency pure-tone averages, the calculated air–bone gap decreased from 18.5 to 8.5 dB HL. Diffusion-weighted MRI at 18 months showed no evidence of residual or recurrent disease, and clinical examination at 24 months showed a patent, epithelialized canal. Conclusions: This case illustrates the technical feasibility of a fully exoscopic, hearing-preserving approach to complex EACC. Comparative studies are required before conclusions about superiority or generalizable safety relative to conventional visualization can be drawn.
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BibTeX
@article{liberale2026orbeye,
title = {{Use of the ORBEYE™ Exoscope for the Treatment of Presumed Postoperative Cholesteatoma of the External Auditory Canal: A Case Report}},
author = {Carlotta Liberale and Arianna Burato and Livio Presutti and Giuseppe Mercante and Giulia Molinari},
journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3390/jcm15218625},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/21/8625},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Use of the ORBEYE™ Exoscope for the Treatment of Presumed Postoperative Cholesteatoma of the External Auditory Canal: A Case Report
AU - Carlotta Liberale
AU - Arianna Burato
AU - Livio Presutti
AU - Giuseppe Mercante
AU - Giulia Molinari
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/05
JO - Journal of Clinical Medicine
DO - 10.3390/jcm15218625
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/21/8625
AB - Background/Objectives: To describe the technical feasibility of fully exoscopic management of an unusually extensive external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC). Methods: We report a 26-year-old man with advanced right EACC and a history of ipsilateral myringoplasty approximately 15 years previously; a postoperative origin was suspected but could not be established. Clinical, radiological, surgical, and follow-up findings are described. Results: Imaging revealed extensive erosion of the superior EAC and adjacent temporal bone with mass effect on the right temporal lobe. The ORBEYE™ 4K three-dimensional exoscope was used throughout the operation, including dissection along exposed dura and hearing-preserving reconstruction. An intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred at the middle cranial fossa dura and was controlled during surgery, without persistent postoperative leakage. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 4. Based on the reported four-frequency pure-tone averages, the calculated air–bone gap decreased from 18.5 to 8.5 dB HL. Diffusion-weighted MRI at 18 months showed no evidence of residual or recurrent disease, and clinical examination at 24 months showed a patent, epithelialized canal. Conclusions: This case illustrates the technical feasibility of a fully exoscopic, hearing-preserving approach to complex EACC. Comparative studies are required before conclusions about superiority or generalizable safety relative to conventional visualization can be drawn.
SN - 2077-0383
ER -