Results of surgery for chronic otitis media in patients with a cleft palate

The long-term results of surgical treatment of 19 chronic ears in 16 patients with a cleft palate were analysed. The mean follow-up period was 6.5 years. The patients were found to be significantly younger than other patients with chronic otitis media. Granulating otitis media was the indication for surgery in 11 ears and cholesteatoma in 7 ears. A successful outcome after the primary operation was found in 68% of the patients. Four patients required a revision operation which was successful in all of them. Hearing results of patients with cleft palate did not differ significantly from those obtained in other patients. It is concluded that middle ear surgery should be offered to patients with a cleft palate with the same indications as in other patients with chronic otitis media.