Welcome!
We’re excited to host the 12th Sydney Endoscopic Ear Surgery (SEES) Course on 29–30 August 2026. SEES remains the only dedicated endoscopic ear surgery course in Australia & New Zealand, with a global reputation for hands-on, high-quality training.
Two full days. World-class faculty. High-definition stacks and state-of-the-art instrumentation (Karl Storz) and the latest drill technology (Medtronic). Fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. Course dinner at Sails on Lavender Bay overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
International Faculty:
- Prof Daniele Marchioni — widely regarded as a master of the endoscopic method; author of Endoscopic Ear Surgery: Principles, Indications and Techniques and Endoscopic Lateral Skull Base Surgery (book 1, book 2)
- Dr Wai Tsz Chang — Deputy Chief, Division of Otology & Neurotology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; innovative contributor to EES
We look forward to welcoming you to Sydney.
Warm regards,
Nirmal
What You’ll Learn
- EES setup, ergonomics, haemostasis, instrument handling
- Step-by-step middle ear and beyond: protympanum/ET/tensor fold, epitympanum/atticotomy, retro- & hypotympanum, infracochlear corridor, inner ear
- Endoscopic management of cholesteatoma, perforations, and paediatric considerations
- Evidence-based management of ETD/PET; scope limitations & pearls
- Live commentary on pre-recorded surgery with Q&A
- Meet-the-experts open forum
Learning Objectives
- Build a coherent, step-wise understanding of endoscopic ear anatomy from the middle ear to the internal auditory canal.
- Practise endoscopic dissection skills to confidently and safely introduce EES into clinical practice.
Who Should Attend
Otolaryngology trainees and practicing otologists/otolaryngologists seeking a structured, safe pathway to adopt or refine endoscopic ear techniques.
Course Directors
Clinical Prof Nirmal Patel
Clinical A/Prof Nicholas Jufas
Local Faculty
Clinical A/Prof Jonathan Kong
Clinical A/Prof Alex Saxby
International Faculty
Prof Daniele Marchioni
Dr Wai Tsz Chang
Programme
Day 1 — Saturday, 29th August 2026
| LECTURE ROOM | 07:30–08:00 | Coffee, Breakfast, Registration | |
| 08:00–08:30 | Welcome & Introduction; Endoscopic Ear Anatomy & Ventilation | ||
| 08:30–09:00 | Demonstration 1: Holding the Scope; TM Flap; Survey of Middle Ear | Prof Marchioni | |
| DISSECTION LAB | 09:00–11:30 | Dissection 1 | (Split groups; morning tea at 10:15) |
| Ear prep, TM flap, Prussak’s space | |||
| Protympanum, ET, tensor fold | |||
| Epitympanum; lateral atticotomy | |||
| Retro- & hypotympanum | |||
| LECTURE ROOM | 11:30–12:30 | Lectures 1 | |
| Instruments & Equipment | 15 mins | ||
| Control of Bleeding | 15 mins | ||
| Paediatric EES | 15 mins | ||
| Endoscopic Cholesteatoma | 15 mins | ||
| 12:30–13:00 | Lunch + Course Photograph | ||
| DISSECTION LAB | 13:00–13:30 | Demonstration 2: Techniques; Anatomy Including Inner Ear | Prof Marchioni |
| 13:30–16:00 | Dissection 2 | (Split groups; tea at 14:45) | |
| Ossicular removal; extended atticotomy | |||
| Tympanic plexus; facial nerve | |||
| Major vessels; infracochlear approach | |||
| Inner ear | |||
| LECTURE ROOM | 16:00–17:30 | Panel Discussion | Moderator: N. Patel |
| SAILS ON LAVENDER BAY | 19:00–22:00 | Course Dinner | sailslavenderbay.com |
Day 2 — Sunday, 30th August 2026
| LECTURE ROOM | 07:30–08:00 | Coffee & Recap | |
| DISSECTION LAB | 08:00–11:00 | Dissection 3 | (A/B alternate; morning tea at 09:30) |
| Demonstrations: Tympanoplasty; OCR (ossicular chain reconstruction); Stapedectomy | |||
| Dissector time on tympanoplasty / stapes / OCR | |||
| Early start on second ear if ahead | |||
| Observers/other group: Pre-recorded live surgery with surgeon commentary & Q&A | |||
| LECTURE ROOM | 11:00–12:00 | Lectures 2 | |
| Tips & Pearls for EES | 15 mins | ||
| Beyond the Middle Ear | 15 mins | ||
| Evidence-Based ETD/PET Management | 30 mins | ||
| 12:00–12:30 | Lunch | ||
| LECTURE ROOM | 12:30–13:00 | Demonstration 3: Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation | |
| DISSECTION LAB | 13:00–16:00 | Second Ear Specimen | |
| Repeat anatomical run-through or simulate clinical applications (stapedotomy; OCR; myringoplasty; cholesteatoma resection) | |||
| LECTURE ROOM | 16:00–16:15 | Course Close | Feedback & concluding remarks |
| Programme subject to minor change. | |||
- Understand and practice the fundamentals of endoscopic and microscopic approaches.
- Technical tips and pearls from world experts.
- Panel discussions on key management decisions.
- Demonstrations of all key steps (Endoscopic, mastoidectomy, Eustachian tube dilatation).
- Lectures on key anatomy and techniques.
- Allow participants to tailor their dissections to best suit their learning objectives on the second day, depending on their level of expertise (e.g. Concentrate on middle ear and mastoid or if more advanced, use the specimen to explore more complex approaches).
- Dissector (20 spots): $3,300
- Observer (10 spots): $1,350
Included:
- Full 2-day course and lab access
- Morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea (both days)
- Course book (anatomy + step-by-step dissection method)
- Online revision materials
- Course dinner at Sails on Lavender Bay
Sydney Surgical Skills Centre (SSSC) — Level 6, Kolling Building, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney
- Lectures & catering: Level 5
- Lab & dissection: Level 6
- ~3 km north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
- St Leonards train station (T1 North Shore Line) adjacent to campus
- Crows Nest Metro ~10-minute walk
The Kolling Building is ~4 km from the CBD; city hotels offer easy access by train, taxi, or rideshare.
- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS): 18 CPD hours
- ASOHNS: Recognised as an additional course for trainee logbooks
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