Intraoperative videomonitoring of the facial nerve.
OBJECTIVE
To propose the application of an intraoperative videomonitoring system in otologic and otoneurologic surgery. The authors also compare results obtained by using this system with findings deriving from electromyography and pneumosensorial monitoring methods.


METHODS
The single-subject design study, involving six patients with middle ear or otoneurosurgery, compares reliability of different monitoring procedures, especially in terms of advantages and drawbacks.


METHODS
Video system versus electrophysiologic and pneumosensorial systems.


METHODS
Two patients affected with chronic otitis media, two from Meniere's disease, and two from Acoustic Neuroma.


METHODS
Intraoperative diagnostic and prognostic.


RESULTS
Electrophysiologic method shows more sensibility, but is affected by a moderate grade of false positive because of electric artifacts; videomonitoring system showed less sensibility, but appears reliable; pneumosensorial system gives in-between results.


CONCLUSIONS
In intraoperative monitoring techniques, reliability and feasibility are the most important factors and are achieved, in this study, by the videomonitorig system. Video recording of images have permitted further off-line analysis.
Filipo
R
R
Institute of Otolaryngology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Italy.
De Seta
E
E
Bertoli
G A
GA
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016343:Monitoring, Intraoperative / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D020535:Video-Assisted Surgery / Q000379:methods*