Partial Mastoid Obliteration Using Inferior Based Musculoperiosteal Flap and Autogenous Conchal Cartilage Chips

Min, Gyeong MIN; Park, Gun; Moon, Tae Ok; Hong, Sung Bum

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, canal down mastoidectomy tends to be more frequently selected for complete eradication of the lesion and prevention of recurrence. Therefore, the problems attendant to the open mastoid continue to be of concern. Although various techniques have been used to solve the cavity problems, no single procedure has yet been devised that entirely accomplished this purpose. We evaluated the effects of partial mastoid obliteration using inferior based musculoperiosteal flap and autogenous conchal cartilage chips.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty four cases were performed with mastoid obliteration using inferior based musculoperiosteal flap and autogenous conchal cartilage chips obtained from meatoplasty. There were 11 cases for control which were performed with canal down mastoidectomy without obliteration. We compared these two groups in the duration of epithelialization, accumulation of debris, presence or absence of drainage, shape of remodeled canal and caloric response and evaluated survival or atrophy of flap and absorption of cartilage chips.
RESULTS
Obliteration group showed more rapid healing and epithelialization and less accumulated epithelial debris. Atrophy of flap or absorption of cartilage was not observed. There was no draining ear but vertigo with nystagmus on caloric stimulation developed in both groups.
CONCLUSION
This partial mastoid obliteration technique used easy and quick application instead of complete restoration of canal wall, and it may be also valuable in providing rapid epithelialization and reducing mastoid bowl volume with relatively round canal shape. Furthermore, epitympanic obliteration using cartilage chips may be an effective method to prevent formation of attic retraction pocket.