Endoscopic anatomy and ventilation of the epitympanum.

The use of an endoscope with varied angulations has allowed the surgeon to explore areas that were often not visualized using standard microscopic procedures. The endoscope has improved knowledge of the complex anatomy of mucosal fold and improved functional interventions in middle ear inflammatory disorders during middle ear surgery; intraoperative evaluation of middle ear anatomy during endoscopic surgery for inflammatory disorders helps surgeon visualize anatomic blockages of the middle ear ventilation trajectories. This article discusses the anatomy of the epitympanum and the ventilation patterns and pathophysiology of epitympanic retraction.