Conclusions
We have found that EES overall is less painful and requires less
analgesia in the initial post-operative period than microscopic surgery.
Where differing applications of endoscopic and microscopic procedures
are accounted for within subgroup analysis, the difference only holds
true for reconstructive procedures. It must be acknowledged that the
strength of conclusion which can be drawn from subgroup analysis is weak
due to small patient numbers. However, the overall results of this study
are useful for pre-operative patient counselling and pain management in
the clinical setting. Further research is required to study the
influence of bone removal, type of operation, and incision type on pain
after ear surgery.