Clinical evaluation of piezoelectric ear surgery

Abstract We evaluated the use of piezoelectric surgery (Piezosurgery; Mectron Medical Technology; Carasco, Genoa, Italy) as a means of avoiding some complications of osteotomy and osteoplasty in otologic surgery, particularly in classic canalwall- up mastoidectomy. Piezoelectric surgery is a recently developed system for cutting bone with microvibrations created by the piezoelectric effect. This effect occurs when an electric current is passed through certain ceramics and crystals, causing them to oscillate at ultrasonic frequencies. OUT study population was made up of 20 adults with unilateral chronic otitis media. In all patients, piezoelectric surgery allowed for effective, precise, safe, easy, and rapid intraoperative management. Inparticular, the instrument's precision allowed surgeonsto make exact, clean, and smooth cuts without causing any injury to adjacent soft tissue. No complications were noted. We conclude that the piezoelectric device is superior to conventionally rotating instruments for performing classic canal-wall-up mastoidectomy.