1993 Volume 1993 Issue Supplement68 Pages 70-75
Mastoid cavity problems were studied in 113 ears that had the posterior canal wall removed during surgery (open tympanoplasty, radical mastoidectomy, modified radical mastoidectomy) for middle ear cholesteatoma. Posterior canal wall reconstruction with mastoid obliteration was performed in 19 ears, mastoid obliteration only in 10 ears, and no treatment for the open mastoid cavity in 84 ears.
The total incidence of mastoid cavity problems was 30.1%. Aural discharge was most frequently observed (24.8%). Other problems included postoperative development of mastoid air cells, cholesteatoma or cyst formation, the absorption of the reconstructed canal wall, and mycosis. Cavity problems were more frequently observed in the groups with reconstruction or obliteration because of the absorption of those materials. Patients under 9 years old frequently had cavity problems, and additional surgery was performed in 44.1%.
Preservation of the canal wall is most important in preventing the cavity problems, and firm obliteration of the open mastoid cavity with bone tissue or ceramics is necessary in patients that have the canal wall removed.
