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Outcomes of canalplasty for chronic obliterative otitis externa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 August 2012

C P S Potter  and
I D Bottrill
C P S Potter*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
I D Bottrill
Affiliation:
ENT Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr C P S Potter, ENT Department, Torbay Hospital, Torquay TQ2 7AA, UK Fax: +44 (0)1803 655011 E-mail: Christian.potter@nhs.net
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Abstract

Introduction:

Chronic obliterative otitis externa is a rare cause of conductive hearing loss, characterised by stenosis of the deep ear canal secondary to chronic inflammation. A multitude of canalplasty techniques have been described, with variable success.

Method:

Fourteen patients undergoing canalplasty performed by the senior author for refractory obliterative otitis externa, over an 8-year period, were included in the study. All underwent split-skin grafting of the denuded canal and meticulous post-operative aural care. Outcome measures included the Glasgow Benefit Inventory and pure tone audiology.

Results:

At 3 months post-operatively, the four-tone average threshold had improved by a mean of 13.9 dB (95 per cent confidence interval –9.9 to 37.8 dB; t < 0.001) in the operated ear. The mean Glasgow Benefit Inventory score was 20 (95 per cent confidence interval −2.3 to 42.1).

Conclusion:

Significant improvements in both hearing and quality of life are achievable in patients with end-stage obliterative otitis externa treated surgically. Highly trained and competent aural care practitioners are a prerequisite for the success of the procedure, and a substantial number of patients must be prepared to submit to long-term follow-up care.

Keywords

Otitis ExternaEar CanalGraftingSkinFibrosisOtologic Surgical Procedure
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 10 , October 2012 , pp. 1016 - 1021
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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