Challenges of external ear canal surgery

Introduction:

Surgery of the external ear canal (EAC) seems often easy and only a way to pathologies of the ear drum and middle ear. Nevertheless several important diseases affect the EAC and need a special, in many cases operative therapy.

Study/Results:

The presentation gives a specific overview about the pathological enteties of the EAC with special focus on operative procedures. Indication, diagnostics and therapy of EAC exostoses, postinfectious meatal fibrosis (PIMF), malignant external otitis, cholsteatoma and carcinoma of the EAC are demonstrated with selected cases and the different approaches. New results of the pathogenesis of PIMF (Moser et al [2014] OtolNeurootol 36:191 – 197) are explained. Especially in hearing aid application for elderly patients sufficient function and integrity of the EAC is important.

Conclusion:

A subtile pathology adapted microsurgical technique in connection with reconstructive procedures (skin, split skin, cartilage) gives very good long term results also related to a consequent postoperative care. Using the shown strategies the patients will be contented even in wearing their hearing aids. An affected contralateral ear should be operated within 6 – 9 months.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)