On Modern Oto-Microsurgery and Preliminary Notes on Radiation Surgery in Otology

Abstract

A short review of the history and the importance of the microscope, sul-phonamides and antibiotics together with audiometric examination in the development of oto-microsurgery, is followed by a description of tympanoplasty, fenestration, surgery of the stapes and the focus. A suitable mechanical micromanipulator, movable in three dimensions, is being prepared for use during the micro-operations. Irradiation with ionizing particles as therapy against otosclerosis, intralabyrinthine and central vesti-bulo-cochlear diseases is discussed and has been experimentally performed. A combined radio- and chemotherapy, especially with /S-particles and a “chelating agent” such as edathamil, is supposed to be the most effective treatment against otosclerosis.