Reconstruction of the radical mastoid

Open cavity techniques (radical mastoidectomy, canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy, modified radical mastoidectomy) are well established surgical procedures for the treatment of chronic otitis media. Despite their effectiveness in exteriorizing cholesteatoma, they are associated with a 20 to 60 percent incidence of persistent intermittent drainage. In an effort to eliminate this problem, we have employed a Palva flap and medial graft technique to reconstruct the mastoid cavity and middle ear space in those patients with chronically draining ears. Between 1987 and 1990, 28 patients underwent this procedure. Twenty-six of these (93%) had complete obliteration of the mastoid cavity and successful tympanic membrane reconstruction. Two of 28 (7%) had a persistent tympanic membrane perforation and intermittent drainage following their surgery. Based on these results, this procedure is effective in eliminating intermittent drainage associated with the open cavity techniques. The indications for this procedure, the specifics of the surgical technique, and the postoperative results are discussed.