Mastoid obliteration with autogenous cortical bone flakes and chips was performed in 113 ears. In some cases, pedicle periosteal flaps and/or free cartilagenous grafts from conchal cavity were used simultaneously. The reconstructed posterior canal wall had a tendency to widen slightly, and local infection did not occur. Clinically 80% of the cases were assessed as success.
Hearing results were not at all superior to the closed method of tympanoplasty.
The surgical method was safe and usefull for obliteration of cavity in contrast with mastoid obliteration using a pedicle muscle flap.
In cholesteatoma cases, it is very difficult to reconstruct the well aerated mastoid cavity. The method to obliterate the mastoid and to open the epitympanum to the external canal is recommended for prevention of a retraction pocket.
