Facial nerve monitoring among graduates of the Ear Research Foundation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the patterns of facial nerve monitoring among graduates of an otology fellowship in which monitoring is emphasized throughout training.

STUDY DESIGN: This study involved a questionnaire administered to graduates of the Ear Research Foundation, Sarasota, Florida, U.S.A. (otology/neurotology fellowship).

SETTING: The study was performed in academic and private practices of surveyed physicians.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: These included patterns of facial nerve monitor use and surgical results after facial nerve injuries.

RESULTS: Nearly 100% of the graduates of the Ear Research Foundation continue to use facial nerve monitoring routinely in otologic surgery. Five cases of facial nerve injury in surgery for long-term disease were reported for all 15 neurotologists surveyed.

CONCLUSION: Routine facial nerve monitoring is not considered the standard of care in most communities; however risk of facial nerve injury appears to be greatly reduced when this adjunctive technique is employed.