Canalplasty: review of 100 cases

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Procedures
• Auditory Canal Anatomy

Background:

• Stenosis of the external auditory meatus can result from bony or soft tissue causes.
• Surgical intervention, such as canalplasty, is indicated for specific conditions including exostoses and stenosing external otitis.
• Effective surgical widening of the ear canal is crucial for improving patient outcomes and facilitating further otologic procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of canalplasty for widening the external auditory meatus.
• To analyze the outcomes of 100 consecutive canalplasty procedures performed by a single surgeon.
• To identify potential complications and their management in canalplasty surgery.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 100 consecutive canalplasty surgeries performed by one surgeon.
• Detailed description of the surgical technique, emphasizing anterior canal wall bone removal.
• Analysis of indications, complications, and re-stenosis rates.

Main Results:

• The majority of stenosis cases were due to soft tissue rather than bony obstruction.
• A re-stenosis rate of 4% was observed, exclusively in cases utilizing a middle temporal artery flap.
• Transient, partial facial palsy occurred in 2% of cases, likely due to thermal injury, with full spontaneous recovery.

Conclusions:

• Canalplasty is a safe and effective surgical procedure for widening the external auditory meatus.
• Careful surgical technique, particularly regarding bone removal, is essential for successful outcomes.
• The use of middle temporal artery flaps may be associated with an increased risk of re-stenosis.