External auditory canal closure: an alternative management for the refractory chronically draining ear.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the surgical technique and evaluate the effectiveness of external auditory canal (EAC) closure in patients with refractory chronically draining ears. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective case review of seven patients who underwent EAC closure for chronically draining ears at a private tertiary otologic referral center between 2001 and 2004. Three patients underwent concomitant placement of a BAHA implant, and one patient underwent cochlear implantation during a second-stage procedure. RESULTS: All seven patients had successful closure of the external auditory canal with elimination of chronic drainage. The follow-up interval ranged from 10 to 35 months. There were no cases of iatrogenic cholesteatoma formation or breakdown of the ear canal closure. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: In patients with refractory chronically draining ears, EAC closure, alone or in conjunction with a bone-anchored implant, may be a treatment option. A BAHA implant can be placed during the initial procedure or staged.

Duke Scholars

Author Calhoun Dove Cunningham III Otology, Neurotology & Skull Base Surgery