The Current Situation and Development of Endoscopic Ear Surgery in China

Endoscopic ear surgery has been widely performed in China since 2015 due to the development and rapid popularization of endoscopic technology. Due to the relative shortness of the auditory meatus, only a fixed endoscope is required in many cases, rather than a motion similar to a nasal endoscope, and uncontrollable bleeding is virtually non-existent. Compared to microscopy, endoscopy allows for rapid and flexible changes in the field of view, eliminating the need for bone grinding. On these grounds, the advantages of endoscopy in ear surgery have been largely recognized. At the same time, physicians have become more rational about expanding indications for endoscopic ear surgery due to limitations such as single-handed surgery. The debate and standardization surrounding endoscopic ear surgery is ongoing. This review focuses on the current status and development of endoscopic ear surgery in China, discusses the advantages, limitations, and prospects of endoscopic ear surgery.