Review
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World J Otorhinolaryngol. Aug 28, 2013; 3(3): 71-88
Published online Aug 28, 2013. doi: 10.5319/wjo.v3.i3.71
Systematic review of animal models of middle ear surgery
Michael Bergin, Srdjan Vlajkovic, Philip Bird, Peter Thorne
Michael Bergin, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Srdjan Vlajkovic, Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Philip Bird, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery; Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Peter Thorne, Section of Audiology, Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
Author contributions: Vlajkovic S suggested the review topic; Bergin M wrote the initial draft; Vlajkovic S, Bird P and Thorne P reviewed the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Michael Bergin, MBChB, MMedSc, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand. m.bergin@auckland.ac.nz
Telephone: +64-9-3737599 Fax: +64-9-3737499
Received: May 21, 2013
Revised: August 9, 2013
Accepted: August 20, 2013
Published online: August 28, 2013
Processing time: 108 Days and 13.9 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: Animal models provide an invaluable insight into physiological and anatomical responses to middle ear surgical interventions. The choice of which animal model to use depends on the question which needs to be answered and on the available resources. Acute terminal experiments permit greater access and exposure of the middle ear structures, but the behavioural and long-term outcomes are not available. Chronic experiments conversely have more limited options for exposure, but allow long-term observation of tissue recovery and tolerance of the surgery. Both options are considered in this review.