Clinical anatomy of the Eustachian tube: Lumen and cartilage in the adult. Functional anatomy of the paratubal muscles: Tensor veli palatini muscle -- Levator veli palatini muscle -- Medial pterygoid muscle. Physiology of the Eustachian tube: Eustachian tube function. Epidemiology of the diseased Eustachian tube. Role of Eustachian tube function tests. A new aspect of the Eustachian tube mechanics: The three hypomochlia of the tensor veli palatini muscle. The impact of middle ear protection. Pathophysiology of the Eustachian tube: Patulous Eustachian tube: Four diagnostic steps to a clinical syndrome. Factors involved in the development of a patulous Eustachian tube. A new concept for the treatment of the patulous Eustachian tube: Step I (Physiotherapy) Dynamic stabilization of the masticatory and cervical muscles -- Step II (Surgery) Paratubal augmentation with septal cartilage. A new systematic view on middle ear surgery: Impact of Eustachian tube function on the prognosis. Impact of surgery on the prognosis. A practical guide to a successful middle ear surgery. Postoperative treatment.

This book, written by international experts, is a detailed guide to the Eustachian tube, with emphasis on those aspects of most relevance to the practitioner. The opening chapters document the clinical anatomy and provide essential information on physiology, with explanation of the new model of tubal mechanics and the use of Eustachian tube function tests. Diagnosis and therapy for the patulous Eustachian tube are then discussed, placing special emphasis on a novel conservative treatment regimen that has proven to be a breakthrough for patients with this clinical syndrome. A further extensive chapter examines overall function of the Eustachian tube, primarily from the middle ear surgeon’s viewpoint. Tuboplasty procedures, including laser tuboplasty, and tympanoplasty are described, and the implications of different middle ear pathologies for surgical treatment are explained. Conservative treatment of Eustachian tube obstruction and hearing aids for the nonaerated middle ear are also discussed. The previously unpublished treatment methods that are described in this book will be invaluable in ensuring the best possible clinical outcomes.