title: Endoscopic Anatomy of the Protympanum.
abstract: The protympanum, a final common pathway between the tympanic cavity and external environment, is gaining relevance due to the ease and completeness of visualization with angled endoscopes. Two primary conformations are described, quadrangular and triangular, and new anatomic structures such as the protiniculum, subtensor recess, and protympanic spine are defined. Surgical relevance of the protympanum is described with respect to ventilation, cholesteatoma, cerebrospinal fluid leak, otic neuralgia, and surgical access to the eustachian tube.
authors: Kolling Deafness Research Centre, University of Sydney and Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Surgery, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Endoscopic Ear Surgery (SEES) Research Group, Sydney, Australia.
authors: Nicholas
authors: N
authors: Jufas
authors: Otolaryngology Department, University Hospital of Verona, Piazzale Aristide Stefani, 37122, Verona, Italy.
authors: Daniele
authors: D
authors: Marchioni
authors: ENT Department, American Hospital Dubai, 19th St, Oud Metha Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
authors: Muaaz
authors: M
authors: Tarabichi
authors: Kolling Deafness Research Centre, University of Sydney and Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Surgery, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Sydney Endoscopic Ear Surgery (SEES) Research Group, Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: nirmal.p.patel@gmail.com.
authors: Nirmal
authors: N
authors: Patel
mesh_terms: D018441:Biofilms; D065634:Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D004106:Dilatation; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004433:Earache / Q000601:surgery; D004724:Endoscopy; D004848:Epithelium / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology
keywords: Carotid artery; Endoscopic ear surgery; Protiniculum; Protympanum; Surgical anatomy; Tensor tympani