Evaluation of Auriculocephalic Angle following Canal Wall Up and Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy Procedures

Abstract

Background : Mastoidectomy is a common procedure in otolaryngology. It has numerous complications. Aesthetic issues following this surgery are not widely discussed. Purpose: To evaluate auriculocephalic angle and helix to mastoid distance between patients who underwent canal wall up and canal wall down mastoidectomy procedures. Methods: In this cross sectional study, sixty patients who underwent canal wall down or canal wall up mastoidectomy, observed for auriculocephalic angle and helix to mastoid distance of both ears before and after surgery. We analyzed data with paired t-test and independent t-test. All tests were conducted at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: Patients, who underwent canal wall down mastoidectomy, had a significant reduction in auriculocephalic angle and helix to mastoid distance. In canal wall up group, these parameters increased, although the observed differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Mastoidectomy can alter the aesthetical parameters of the auricle and may also lead to functional disorders due to these changes.