[Endoscopy and cophosurgery].

Certain fixed adherent retraction pockets especially in the posterior aspect of the tympanic cavity and certain cholesteatomas are difficult to treat even after a posterior tympanotomy has been performed. Using 70 degrees and especially 30 degrees optical systems can be of great value as the lesions can be perfectly visualised and endoscopic copho-surgery itself can even be carried out. Study of 27 cases of fixed retraction pockets and 14 cholesteatomas which underwent microscopic surgery but with optical verification of the operative cavity demonstrated the value of this technique. The safety of the method even allows the exclusive use of the endaural route in cases which have up to now required a posterior approach and posterior tympanotomy.