Results of Epitympanoplasty with Mastoid Obliteration Technique

Kang, Myung Koo; Han, Chi Sung; Kim, Bu Min; Boo, Sung Hyun; Park, Heon Soo; Hur, Jun

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
There have been heated controversies over the choice of the canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWD) and canal wall up mastoidectomy (CWU), which are operational methods used to eliminate the lesion of chronic otitis media including cholesteatoma. The CWD method can secure a good operation field and remove the lesion easily, but it accompanies a cavity problem. The CWU method also has its shortcomings as it is difficult to eliminate cholesteatoma completely using this method. Combining the advantages of both methods, we invented a new operational method. The present study assesses the results of its use after a follow up of 55 months.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From December of 1994 to March of 1997, epitympanoplasty with mastoid obliteration was conducted on 44 adults (42 patients). Of these, 38 cases were cholesteatomas, 2 cases adhesive otitis media and 4 cases chronic otitis media with poor E-tube function. The postoperative observation period ranged from 41 to 68 months, with the average period of 55.2 months.
RESULTS
There were 3 cases of residual cholesteatoma in the mastoid cavity and 3 cases in the middle ear cavity. All residual cholesteatomas in the mastoid cavity were treated with CWU, and there was no recurrent cholesteatoma or otorrhea, nor retraction pocket.
CONCLUSION
Although the observation period of the postoperative process was not long enough, there was no recurrence. We suggest that it is advantageous to operate on cholesteatoma using the new method.