Uttoxeter Rd
Derby DE22 3NE
UK
Haseem Raja, ENT Registrar, North West Deanery
Rachel Edmiston, ENT Consultant, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and BEEG course faculty.
The inaugural meeting of the British Endoscopic Ear Group (BEEG) was a resounding success, bringing together a sold-out audience of surgeons and trainees from across the UK. The energy throughout the day reflected a clear and encouraging shift in consensus: endoscopic ear surgery (EES) is no longer a niche pursuit, but an increasingly integral and valued component of modern otological practice.
Building on the pioneering work of Prof Arun Iyer and Chris Coulson, interest in EES has grown steadily in recent years across the UK. Their leadership in both clinical practice and education has played a key role in shaping national uptake. This progress was reflected in a thoughtfully structured programme including ‘Origins’, ‘State of the Art’, ‘The Cutting Edge’, and ‘The Next Generation’, bringing together an outstanding faculty of UK and international experts. 
Professor Daniele Marchioni, a world-leading expert in endoscopic ear surgery, delivered a masterclass in middle ear physiology and microanatomy, highlighting the precision and depth that underpin effective EES. He was joined by an impressive international faculty, including Mohammed Badreldine (Oman) and Prof Nirmal Patel (Sydney), whose contributions emphasised the strength of global collaboration in advancing the field.
The UK faculty demonstrated both the maturity and forward momentum of EES practice. Speakers including Sunil Sharma, Andrew Hall, Andrea Burgess and Sam Cho showcased how endoscopic techniques are now embedded within routine otological surgery. Key pearls included preparing and draping the microscope from the outset and maintaining situational awareness of considering when to 'open-up' rather than becoming too task-fixated with the endoscope.
In the ‘Cutting Edge’ session, Prof Owen Judd presented an innovative approach to laser tympanoplasty for mobile retraction pockets, while Bhav Patel highlighted the important role of local anaesthetic EES in expanding access for patients generally deemed unsuitable for general anaesthesia, as well as the opportunity this creates for patients to be more directly involved in the theatre experience. Practical tips for local anaesthetic cases, such as warming Lignospan prior to infiltration to minimise pain and caloric-induced vertigo, as well as administering prochlorperazine and paracetamol preoperatively, were well received. Prof Arun Iyer further enriched the session by showcasing underwater techniques, illustrating the continued evolution of endoscopic methods. Furthermore, Stephen Robertson was a deserving winner of the best video presentation for the impressive management of a glomus tympanicum case.
A standout feature of the meeting was the ‘speed networking’ session which provided the chance to speak with trainees and consultants about their current exposure to endoscopic surgery, while sharing practical advice, pearls of wisdom, and tips from personal experiences. This was nicely complemented with the endoscopic surgery dexterity challenge which provided a timely reminder into the importance of deliberate, repeated practice in refining surgical skill.
A consistent and positive message throughout the day was the importance of embracing EES as a core skillset while maintaining excellence in microscopic surgery. Delegates were encouraged to pursue dual competence, supported by structured and graduated training pathways. This was exemplified in the final session, where Matthew Clarke outlined the development of a post-CCT EES fellowship at Gloucestershire Hospitals, offering a clear route for advanced training, and Manuela Cresswell and Gaurav Kumar further emphasised the importance of supporting and nurturing trainees within an evolving NHS landscape.
Overall, this was an outstanding inaugural event, with BEEG now firmly established as a dynamic national platform for collaboration, education and innovation in endoscopic ear surgery.
