Source

Thibaud J, Bristow P, Cuddy LC. Intraoperative needlescopy aids visualization during otic surgery in dogs and cats. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2026:1-6. doi:10.2460/javma.25.10.0695

Research Note

Ensuring complete removal of diseased tissue and residual epithelial liningin ear surgeries (eg, total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy, ventral bull osteotomy) can be challenging but is important to avoid postoperative complications. Needle arthroscopes (ie, needlescopes) are compact instruments with a small diameter, an integrated cannula, and high-quality optics that were originally designed for diagnostic arthroscopic procedures in humans but have been used in veterinary medicine for visualization and evaluation of confined anatomical spaces.

In this retrospective study, 12 client-owned dogs and cats underwent 14 traditional otologic surgeries followed by intraoperative evaluation with needlescopy. No intraoperative complications from use of the needlescope were reported. Subjective feedback from surgeons included improved intraoperative visualization associated with increased confidence in performing the procedure, as well as facilitation in targeted removal of epithelial remnants and diseased tissue. The authors concluded that needlescopy may provide value when used adjunctively in canine and feline ear surgery.