Canal Wall Down Tympanomastoidectomy Research Articles

The Role of Endoscopic Assistance in Surgery for Pediatric Cholesteatoma in Reducing Residual and Recurrent Disease.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate long-term recurrent and residual disease after surgery for acquired cholesteatoma in children according to surgical approach. A total of 71 interventions performed on 67 pediatric patients were included in the study. Canal wall-up tympanomastoidectomy (CWUT) was performed in 31 ears (13 with endoscopic assistance), a transcanal esclusive endoscopic approach (TEEA) was used in 22, and canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy (CWDT) was performed in 18. Overall, the cholesteatoma relapse rate estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method was 47 ± 6% at 12 years; the recurrent cholesteatoma rate was 28 ± 6% and the residual cholesteatoma rate was 26 ± 5%. The relapse rate according to surgical approach was 33 ± 11% for CWDT, 60 ± 9% for CWUT, and 40 ± 11% for TEEA (p = 0.04). The difference for recurrent disease was no recurrent disease for CWDT, 42 ± 9% for CWUT, and 32 ± 11% for TEEA (p = 0.01). The residual disease rate was significantly reduced with endoscopy: 42 ± 8% without endoscopy vs. 9 ± 5% with (p = 0.003). CWDT can still be considered in primary surgery in case of extensive cholesteatomas and small mastoid with poor pneumatization. TEEA can be recommended for small cholesteatoma not extending to the mastoid to reduce morbidity. Endoscopic assistance seems useful to reduce residual disease in CWUT, whereas it does not have a significant impact on preventing recurrent disease.

Allograft bone vs. bioactive glass in rehabilitation of canal wall-down surgery

Canal wall-down (CWD) mastoidectomy creates a radical cavity that modifies the anatomy and physiology of the middle ear, thus preventing it from being self-cleaning and causing epidermal stagnation in the posterior cavities. Canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy with reconstruction (CWDTwR) can obliterate such radical cavities. The main objective of this study was to compare postoperative results after CWDTwR by using either bone allografts or 45S5 bioactive glass as a filling tissue with an 18-month follow-up. This was a single-center observational trial including all patients undergoing CWDTwR. Patients were divided into two groups according to the filling material used: allograft bone (AB group) or 45S5 bioactive glass (BG group). Clinical monitoring was performed regularly, with control imaging performed at 18 months (CT scan and DW MRI). The two groups were compared with the t test for quantitative variables and the chi square test for qualitative variables (no revision surgery, audiometric results, complications, mastoid obliteration volume). Thirty-two patients underwent CWDTwR between October 2015 and 2018. The mean age was 48 years, and 71.9% (23/32) were men. A total of 46.9% (15/32) of the patients had undergone at least 3 middle-ear surgeries prior to CWDTwR. The most frequent preoperative symptom was otorrhea (100.0%, 32/32), and only 12.5% (4/32) experienced dizziness. Fifteen and 17 patients underwent surgery with bone allografts and 45S5 bioactive glass, respectively. At 18 months post-operation, 53.3% of the patients (8/15) in the AB group presented with recurrent otorrhea versus 5.9% (1/17) of patients in the BG group (p = 0.005). Seventy-eight percent (7/9) of symptomatic patients had undergone revision surgery at 18 months postoperation: 40.0% (6/15) in the AB group and 5.9% (1/17) in the BG group (p = 0.033). One patient’s surgery was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and one patient refused surgery. The effects of CWDTwR with bone allografts are disappointing in early follow-up, with significant resorption leading to a 40.0% revision surgery rate. 45S5 BG is a simple solution, with preliminary results that are superior to those of AB. However, prospective controlled studies with longer follow-up times are needed to evaluate the value of BG versus other synthetic materials (such as hydroxyapatite) in surgical management of CWDTwR.Trial registration: retrospectively registered.

Comparison between classic ‘Fisch’ and ‘corner-tag’ meatoplasty techniques after canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy

PurposeTo compare outcomes of two different methods of meatoplasty following Canal Wall-Down tympanomastoidectomy. MethodsA retrospective case review study of 48 patients with non-complicated unsafe chronic suppurative otitis media candidate for post-auricular canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy via a post-auricular approach at Otolaryngology department, Benha university hospitals from January 2021 to January 2023, all were operated for the first time, and divided into 2 groups each of 24 patients. Group A submitted for classic ‘Fisch’, and group B ‘Corner-Tag’ meatoplasty. ResultsThe mean age was 28.88 ± 13.26 years in group A and 33.33 ± 16.04 years in group B. Only one patient (4.2 %) in each group developed wound infection and none in both groups developed perichondritis. Two patients (8.3 %) in group B compared to only one patient (4.2 %) in group A had granulations on the meatal incision. One patient (4.2 % of group A) needed revision meatoplasty. Group B needed more time for epithelization (mean 7.33 ± 0.96 weeks) than group A (mean 6.5 ± 0.88 weeks; P = 0.003*) also resulted in wider mean new meatus in group B (mean 10.50 ± 1.02 mm) than in group A (mean 9.63 ± 1.41 mm; P = 0.02*). ConclusionBoth techniques had comparable post-operative complications. ‘Corner-Tag’ technique needed more time for healing and epithelization but gave a wider new meatal diameter than ‘Fisch’ meatoplasty after one year of follow-up.

Long term outcomes of canal wall up and canal wall down tympanomastoidectomies in pediatric cholesteatoma

Cholesteatomas in children have a more aggressive growth pattern compared to adults, which leads to a higher incidence of both residual and recurrent disease. A staged canal wall-up or a canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy (CWUT and CWDT, respectively) is selected depending on the extent of the disease and condition of the middle ear (ME) cleft and mastoid. Endoscopic ear surgery (EES) has been recently introduced as an adjuvant tool for the treatment of this pathology even in the pediatric population. ObjectivesTo analyze long term outcomes of CWUT and CWDT in the pediatric population, focusing on residual and recurrence rates of cholesteatoma and hearing results. A literature review including cases treated with EES were discussed. Material and methodsPediatric patients treated for cholesteatoma involving both the ME and mastoid with a follow-up (FU) of at least 4 years were retrospectively analyzed in a quaternary referral center for otology and lateral skull base surgery. Patients were grouped according to the surgical technique (CWUT versus CWDT). Rates of residual and recurrent cholesteatoma after each surgical technique were reported and compared. Mean Air-Bone Gap (ABG) of 0.5-1-2-4 KHz was measured and reported before the first surgery and at the last post-operative FU. ResultsTwo-hundred and thirty-six cases fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The mean FU was 100.4 ± 44.2 months (median 89 months). One-hundred and five (44.5%) cases underwent a CWUT, whereas 131 (55.5%) a CWDT. A second stage surgery was performed in 73.5% of CWUT and 58.7% of CWDT. Among the CWUT group, residual cholesteatoma occurred in 22 (21%) ears and recurrence in 24 (22.9%). Patients undergoing CWDT showed lower rates of both residual and recurrent cholesteatoma (7.6% and 2.3%, respectively). ABG improvement was noted for both groups, even though CWUT showed better post-operative hearing results. ConclusionsThe CWDT technique offers a definite surgical therapy, with minimal residual and recurrence rates and audiological results comparable to the CWUT technique. EES must still prove its added benefit or equivalence to pure microscopic approaches.

Revision canal-wall down surgery: comparison of surgical outcomes with three different techniques.

This study aimed to analyze the role of the endoscope in revision canal-wall down (CWD) tympanomastoid surgery and compare its use to the more traditional microscopic approach. Moreover, we aim to investigate functional outcomes of revision surgeries in a cohort of two tertiary reference centers. A total of 103 patients undergoing revision surgery after previous CWD tympanomastoidectomy were included in the present study and divided in three groups according to the surgical technique used: endoscope exclusive (n = 22), combined (n = 35) and microscope exclusive (n = 46). Data regarding surgical indications, pre-operative clinical and audiological assessments, intraoperative findings and surgical considerations were extracted. During follow-up, data regarding anatomic and audiologic outcomes were collected and persistence or recurrence of the disease assessed. The most frequent sites of cholesteatoma recurrence or persistence was the anterior epitympanum. There was a statistically significant ABG improvement of -6.02dB HL (95% CI -8.87 to -3.16, p < 0.001) between pre-operative and postoperative ABG, without significant effect of surgical technique. During follow-up, no significant differences regarding disease or otorrhea control were observed. Duration of surgery and hospitalization was shorter in the endoscopic cohort without statistical significance. Intra- and postoperative complications were lower in the endoscopic group. Revision CWD surgery can take advantage of the endoscope as a minimally invasive exclusive or adjunct tool to traditional microscopic procedures. Outcome measures of endoscopic revision CWD surgery showed anatomic and functional results comparable to those of the microscopic group. The complication rate, the duration of surgery and hospitalization were favorable in the endoscopic group.

Ears with Cholesteatoma: Outcomes of Canal Wall Up and Down Tympano-Mastoidectomies-A Comparative Prospective Study.

This prospective study has been carried out to observe the outcomes of canal wall up (CWU) and canal wall down (CWD) Tympano-mastoidectomies in ears with cholesteatoma. Outcomes of the procedures have been done in terms of recurrence of cholesteatoma, complications, graft uptake rates and post-operative hearing gain. This study was carried out in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of a reputed tertiary teaching hospital of North India from January 2016 to June 2020, with a mean follow-up of 32months. The study included 100 patients of otitis media with cholesteatoma. In Canal Wall Up Tympano-mastoidectomy (CWUT) group, the number of males and females were 22 each. On the other hand, 36 males and 20 females underwent Canal Wall Down Tympano-mastoidectomy (CWDT). Each surgery was done as a single-staged and at the end of the surgical procedure angled oto-endoscopes were used for ensuring complete removal of the disease. Though there is no statistically significant difference in recurrence of cholesteatoma and complications rate in CWU and CWD Tympano-mastoidectomy techniques, but CWUT is superior to CWDT in terms of better graft uptake (p = 0.0156), and better average audiological gain (8.56 ± 0.93dB) with p value = 0.0315. A diligent post-operative follow-up is must for assessing the outcomes of different types of mastoidectomies. This study shows no statistical difference in the disease recurrence and complication rates between Canal Wall Up and Down Tympano-mastoidectomies, though the anatomical changes and creation of the mastoid cavity in canal wall down procedure may affect the graft uptake and post-operative hearing gain. Use of Oto-endoscopes in cholesteatoma surgery helps in improving the outcomes of both techniques and thus recommended if the facility for the same is available.

Projected Cost Simulation in Chronic Ear Surgery: Cost in Chronic Ear Surgery.

To examine the projected healthcare costs of intact canal wall (ICW) and canal wall down (CWD) tympanomastoidectomy surgery and associated clinic follow-up visits in the management of chronic ear disease. A review of literature was performed to analyze the cholesteatoma recidivism rates of ICW and CWD tympanomastoidectomy. Projected Medicare cost simulation applied to representative samples of patients undergoing otologic surgery and follow-up clinic appointments projected over 15 years with an annual 25% cholesteatoma recidivism rate. Tertiary academic center. Simulated patient population status postchronic ear surgery and representative follow-up clinic visits with or without in-office mastoid debridement procedures. Therapeutic and rehabilitative. Healthcare cost. Simulation of cost for chronic ear surgery with follow-up visits produced a higher mean cost for the ICW group compared with the CWD group at year 1 ($9112.06 versus $4954.16). However, CWD patients accumulate cost over time due to routine mastoid debridements. The accumulated costs for the CWD group surpassed the ICW group at 12.54 (CI: 12.02-13.11) years. Using a projected cost analysis model, intact canal wall tympanomastoidectomy incurs a larger upfront cost than the canal wall down technique. However, long-term mastoid cavity maintenance costs accumulate to surpass the intact canal wall group at 12.54 years.

Comparing the Incidence of Residual Cholesteatoma Using two Canal Wall Down and Endoscopic-assisted Intact Canal Wall Tympanomastoidectomy Methods

Background: For many years, Canal Wall Down (CWD) tympanomastoidectomy has been the gold standard for treatment of cholesteatoma; however, this method has long-term complications for the patients. The Intact Canal Wall (ICW) tympanomastoidectomy has relatively lower complications, but access to the middle-ear recesses is difficult in this method. Therefore, endoscopy is used to visualize the underexposed recesses. Objective: This study aims to compare the incidence of residual cholesteatoma using the two methods of CWD and endoscopic-assisted ICW. Materials and Methods: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, participants were 40 patients with cholesteatoma in the middle ear and mastoid who were candidates for tympanomastoidectomy. They were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, ICW was performed with endoscopic assisted visualization, while in the second group, conventional CWD technique was performed without ossicular reconstruction. All the patients were microscopically examined at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after surgery. Revision middle ear surgery and possible ossicular reconstruction under local anesthesia were performed one year after the surgery. The presence of cholesteatoma pearl in the middle-ear, evaluated by using a 2.7mm 30° endoscope, was recorded as the sign of residual cholesteatoma. Fisher’s exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. Significance level for the tests was set at 5%. Results: The incidence of residual cholesteatoma was not statistically significant between the two groups (P&gt;0.05). In each group, 20% (n=4) had residual cholesteatoma. The difference in time interval from the first to second surgery was not statistically significant between the study groups (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Endoscopic-assisted ICW tympanomastoidectomy is comparable with CWD tympanomastoidectomy in eradication of cholesteatoma, having possibly fewer complications. It is recommended that more studies be conducted with a larger sample size and longer follow-up period.

Randomized clinical trial to evaluate the outcome of partial canal wall preserved tympanomastoidectomy

Background: The main surgical techniques for the treatment of chronic otitis media so far, all have their characteristic advantages and disadvantages. Otolaryngologists have been trying to find an ideal surgical method for chronic otitis media.Objective: To study and evaluate the outcome of partial canal wall preserved tympanomastoidectomy (PCM) for the treatment of chronic otitis media.Methods: Thirty-nine patients were randomly divided into two groups. Twenty patients underwent PCM and 19 underwent canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy (CWD). All patients had a follow-up period of 5 years.Results: The mean time of healing was 6 weeks in the PCM group and 8 weeks in the CWD group. The cavities in the PCM group were normal or slightly larger than the normal external auditory canal. The patients required cavity cleaning less than once per year in the PCM group and 3–4 times per year in the CWD group. One patient in the PCM group developed a recurrent cholesteatoma located in the attic.Conclusion: The PCM technique showed a low-recurrence rate and good hearing outcomes. Patients had normal or slightly enlarged postoperative external auditory canal. Therefore, PCM is a useful technique for chronic otitis media.

Audiological Results of Total Ossicular Replacement Prosthesis with Cartilage Shoe Technique.

The aim of this study was to investigate functional results of total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) shaft stabilization with a cartilage shoe in chronic otitis media patients with cholesteatoma who had undergone canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy (CWDT). In addition, it was determined whether the presence of granular and edematous mucosa in middle ear altered functional outcomes. Sixty patients, who had undergone CWDT with the use of TORP for the reconstruction of ossicular chain, were divided into two groups. Patients with cartilage shoe were classified as Group 1 (n=30) and those without the shoe were classified as Group 2 (n=30). Patients in both groups were classified into "A" and "B" subgroups according to the middle ear risk index (MERI). Air conduction (AC) and bone conduction thresholds were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. There was no statistically significant change between preoperative AC thresholds of the groups and subgroups (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences regarding AC thresholds and air-bone gap (ABG) values between Groups 1 and 2 at the postoperative 12th month (p<0.05). Postoperative AC thresholds and ABG values of Group 1B patients with a high MERI score were statistically significant at all frequencies than those of Group 2B patients (p<0.05). When ABG values were compared, it was observed that functional results were better in Group 1B, but a statistically significant difference was observed only at 2000 Hz (p<0.01). The cartilage shoe method for titanium TORP stabilization that is used for ossicular reconstruction during CWDT has been found to have a beneficial effect on auditory outcomes. Cartilage shoe application increases positive effects on hearing outcomes, particularly if the middle ear mucosa is granular and edematous.

Attik kolesteatom fonksiyonel cerrahisinin uzun dönem sonuçları

Objective: To evaluate the long-term findings obtained using microscopic approaches to attic cholesteatoma and with respect to the reconstruction materials used in ossiculoplasty. Methods: The results of these procedures were evaluated in 30 of the patients who subsequently returned for follow-up. One of the surgical techniques among atticotomy + tympanoplasty, intact canal wall tympanoplasty (ICWT) and canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy (CWDT) was performed. The responses to procedures based on postoperative complaints, otoscopy and audiometry results were evaluated and compared with those pre-treatment. Results: A comparison of the preoperative and postoperative air-bone differences in 26 (85%) patients showed a hearing gain of 5–35 dB. The largest gain was achieved with ICWT type II surgery. Evaluation of the tympanic membrane by microscopic otoscopy showed various degrees of retraction in 30% of the patients in the open group and approximately 20% of those in the closed group. After a six-year long-term followup, 55% of the patients in the open group and 45% of those in the closed group had normal findings. Conclusion: An adequate exposure allowing full removal of an attic cholesteatoma may require an open technique. Compared to closed techniques, this also allows hearing preservation and ossicular reconstruction. Good results in the reconstruction of the ossicles can be achieved using recently developed biomaterials, assuming that the stapes and manubrium mallei are in good condition.

Split Thickness Skin Grafting in Canal Wall Down Tympanomastoidectomy

To characterize the effects of a split thickness skin graft (STSG) on the healing of the mastoid cavity in patients undergoing canal wall down (CWD) procedures. A prospective randomized study. Tertiary referral center. Twenty-four patients, ages 21 to 82 years, with a diagnosis of cholesteatoma, undergoing CWD tympanomastoidectomy for the first time. Placement of a STSG to line the mastoid cavity at the time of surgery. The primary outcome was the amount of time required for epithelialization of the mastoid cavity. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, specifically, presence of otorrhea, granulation tissue, meatal stenosis, or tympanic membrane perforation. Twenty-four patients met inclusion criteria. Thirteen patients were randomized to the study group and 11 patients to the control group. Data were collected at follow-up appointments scheduled at postoperative Weeks 3, 6, 9, and 12, as well as every 6 months thereafter. Average time for successful epithelialization of the cavity in the STSG group was 3.2 weeks. Average time for successful epithelialization of the control group was 6.6 weeks. Using a 1-sided 2 sample t test, this was found to be statistically significant with a p value of 0.000137. There was no significant difference in complications rates between the 2 groups. Placement of a STSG is a technique available to the otologist to facilitate rapid healing and epithelialization in patients undergoing CWD tympanomastoidectomy.

Intraoperative findings of revision canal wall-down tympanomastoid surgery

Conclusion: Chronically discharging mastoid cavities had well-defined technical faults from previous surgery. Identifying and eliminating these errors during revision canal wall-down (CWD) tympanomastoidectomy converted troublesome mastoid cavities into safe ears in 84% of cases. Objective: To assess intraoperative findings of revision CWD tympanomastoidectomy to determine the most common causes of failure of previous surgery. The short-term results of revision surgery after a 12-month follow-up period were analyzed. Methods: The study group consisted of 50 consecutive patients, 27 males and 23 females, aged 7–63 years (mean 34 ± 17 years) undergoing revision CWD tympanomastoidectomy due to persistently discharging mastoid cavities. The outcome of revision surgery was measured semi-quantitatively using a grading system. Results: The most common causes for failure of previous surgery were persistent mastoid cells in the tegmental, sinodural angle, and the retrolabyrinthine, retrofacial, and mastoid tip regions (100%); the bony overhangs at the edges of the mastoid cavity and the high facial ridge (98%); inadequately narrow meatus (84%); recurrent or residual cholesteatoma (46%); and remaining malleus head (40%). Revision surgery included elimination of all encountered limitations followed by mastoid cavity obliteration in about two-thirds of cases. Hearing restoration was done in only 34% of ears. In the remaining cases, intact ossicular chain (6%), existing sufficient previous reconstruction (22%) or impossible situation for reconstruction (38%) was found.

An early mastoid cavity epithelialization technique using a postauricular pedicle periosteal flap for canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy

Conclusions: Most ears that were treated with a new surgical method were rendered dry and safe, with cavity problems minimized by this simple technique. This technique is also valid in terms of medical economy because it shortens the hospitalization period and subsequent outpatient care is not required frequently. Objectives: Canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy was a well established procedure for severe chronic otitis media, especially cholesteatoma. However, this procedure has some defects, so-called cavity problems, caused by non-epithelialized bony wall. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early epithelialized technique for the surface of widely formed external acoustic meatus after canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy. Methods: Twenty-five patients who had been diagnosed with cholesteatoma were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 15 patients who underwent a new method in which the open cavity was lined with a pedicle periosteal flap of the postauricular region together with free temporal fascia grafts. As a control, 10 patients in group II underwent the standard operation that uses only free temporal fascia grafts. Results: A comparison of the two groups showed that it took only 1 month on average for the entire surface of the external auditory meatus of the patients in group I to epithelialize and dry up perfectly, although the same area in all the patients in group II was not dried up perfectly until over 80 days.

A Novel Meatoplasty Method in Canal Wall Down Tympanomastoidectomy: A Perichondrial Posterior Fixation Technique

ObjectivesAlthough it is well recognized that a small meatus after canal wall down (CWD) tympanomastoidectomy can cause a lifetime problem, unsatisfactory results are frequently encountered. We herein introduce a novel technique, perichondrial posterior fixation (PPF), to maintain a wide external auditory canal (EAC), to minimize postoperative wound infection due to the smaller dead space and to improve the posterior auricular cosmetic outcome.MethodsA total of 73 patients who underwent CWD tympanomastoidectomy were included. Interventions are CWD tympanomastoidectomy with the PPF technique. Review of the medical records and evaluation of the postoperative size of the meatus and the extent of the cavum conchal cartilage buried within the mastoid cavity by taking digital photographs.ResultsThirty males and 43 females were included and the mean age was 44.1 yr (range, 6 to 66 yr). The mean follow-up duration was 26 months (range, 12 to 56 months). All ears maintained a clean and large external meatus. The posterior auricular cavum conchal cartilage was successfully prevented from being buried into the mastoid cavity in all ears. The extent of cartilage buried into the mastoid cavity was much reduced compared to the conventional technique.ConclusionThe PPF technique, which is a novel meatoplasty technique in CWD tympanomastoidectomy, seems to be effective in maintaining a large external meatus and improving the cosmetic outcome with minimal risk of complications.

Canal wall reconstruction and mastoid obliteration in canal wall down tympanomastoidectomized patients

Conclusion: Posterior canal reconstruction using autogenous bone pate and mastoid obliteration with allogenous cancellous bone chips (ACBCs) is a useful method to eliminate cavity problems after canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy (CWDT). It is also an appropriate method to obtain adequate middle ear space for hearing gain and to apply hearing aids for patients with poor eustachian tube function after surgery. Objective: This study was performed to suggest a new technique for posterior canal reconstruction and mastoid obliteration and to evaluate the outcome of the surgery. Patients and methods: The entire posterior canal was reconstructed with autogenous bone pate, and the new isolated mastoid cavity was obliterated with ACBCs in patients who had undergone CWDT and suffered from cavity problems. Outcomes were measured by external auditory canal shape, condition of the neotympanum, hearing outcome, improvement of cavity problems, and surgical complications. Results: In 90.9%, the reconstructed canal wall maintained a cylindrical shape. The drum healed without perforation/retraction in 90.9%. The average air–bone gap value was 34.5 dB hearing level (HL) before the staged operation and 17.8 dB HL after the staged operation; 95.5% had no more cavity problems. Minor postauricular wound infection was the most common complication (13.6%).

Comparison of Hearing Results by Type of Tympanoplasty with Mastoid Obliteration during Chronic Otitis Media Surgery

Mastoid obliteration during chronic otitis media (COM) surgery could improve hearing results by enhancing the acoustic properties of the external auditory canal. The obj ective of this study was to compare postoperative hearing results by type of tympanoplasty with mastoid obliterat ion during COM surgery. Twenty-five COM patients (25 ears) underwent tympanoplasty type III during canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy and mastoid obliteration: 10 patients underwent classic tympanoplas ty type III (group I), and 15 patients underwent columellarization between the tympanic membrane and the stapes head with a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis or cartilage (group II). Hearing results and complic ations were compared between the 2 groups. Postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) levels within 20 dB were 30% a nd 60% in group I and group II, respectively. Closure of the ABG was significantly better in group II than in group I (p＜0.05). No serious complications were observed in either group. In CWD tympanomastoidectomy with mastoid obliteration, tympanoplasty using strut results in greater hearing improvement than does classic tympanoplasty type III.Key Words: Otitis media; Obliteration; Tympanoplasty

Inflammatory pseudotumor in the middle ear cavity

Inflammatory pseudotumor includes a diverse group of lesions characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and variable fibrotic responses. It is extremely rare in the middle ear alone. A 7-year-old girl presented right hearing impairment. Because an otitis media with effusion was first suspected, a myringotomy was performed, but it found a mass that was different from a congenital cholesteatoma. Canal wall-down tympanomastoidectomy removed the mass successfully. The pathologic study of the specimen confirmed an inflammatory pseudotumor. We report an extremely rare case of the inflammatory pseudotumor in the middle ear with a review of the poor literature about this subject.

Double cartilage block ossiculoplasty in chronic ear surgery.

Multiple techniques of ossicular reconstruction have been advocated for hearing rehabilitation in the setting of chronic otitis media No single method can adequately address the clinical spectrum of disease severity. In the situation of a severely diseased ear requiring a canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy in the presence of an intact stapes superstructure, the authors have employed a double cartilage block (DCB) ossiculoplasty. The technique and short-term results are reviewed. Retrospective chart review in a tertiary referral otologic practice. Twenty-three patients underwent a CWD tympanomastoidectomy with DCB ossiculoplasty. Ages ranged from 6 to 85 years (mean, 36.1 y). The majority of ears were actively draining at the time of surgery (83%) and most procedures were revisions of prior mastoidectomies (74%). Audiometric data (mean postoperative follow-up, 19.5 mo) were calculated according to 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines. Audiometric results were available in 20 patients. The mean air-bone gap (ABG) was 23.8 dB after surgery. Closure of the ABG to within 20 dB was achieved in 10 of 20 patients (50%). No cases of DCB extrusion have occurred to date. The DCB represents an excellent alternative to biocompatible prostheses for ossicular reconstruction in the setting of severe chronic ear disease. As with all methods of ossiculoplasty, long-term follow-up will be necessary to determine if this technique remains stable in the hostile environment in which it has been employed.