Total Ear Canal Ablation and Lateral Bulla Osteotomy

Abstract

Total ear canal ablation (TECA) involves complete removal of the vertical and horizontal ear canals with associated secretory epithelium, including that within the osseous acoustic meatus. In cats, TECA is most often performed for neoplastic invasion of the ear canal or global polypoid inflammatory disease, ceruminous cystomatosis, and more rarely for other indications as listed for dogs. Owners should be made thoroughly aware of the purpose and expectations after TECA/Lateral Bulla Osteotomy, due to the risk of serious postoperative complications. A complete preoperative blood and physical work-up, including a dermatologic examination, is essential to determine the extent and nature of the chronic ear disease process, and to help predict possible surgical or anesthetic complications. A proliferative and stenotic ear canal is difficult to prepare aseptically, so contamination is inevitable during surgery.