Acquired External Auditory Canal Atresia: A Comparison of Acellular Dermal Matrix and Split-thickness Skin Grafting Techniques.

Abstract

To describe the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in the repair of acquired external auditory canal atresia (AEACA), and compare surgical results to AEACA repair by split-thickness skin grafting (STSG). Retrospective chart review. Neurotology clinical practice. From 2007 to 2015, 25 AEACA surgeries (8 ADM and 17 STSG) were identified meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pre- and postoperative audiometric data with clinical follow-up were examined. Rate of external auditory canal restenosis, improvement of conductive hearing loss, and resolution of otorrhea. Both surgical groups had similar preoperative air bone gaps (ABG). Mean follow-up was 24 months. There was no significant difference in restenosis rates between the ADM (13%, n = 1/8) and STSG (12%, n = 2/17) groups. ABG improved from 28 dB to 11 dB in the ADM group and from 24 dB to 9 dB in the STSG group. ABG closure with surgery was statistically significant (p < 0.05), but there was no difference between the two groups. There was no significant reduction of otorrhea. Acellular dermal matrix grafting has not been previously reported for use in AEACA repair, and is a reasonable alternative to STSG with similar hearing, restenosis, and otorrhea outcomes.