[Epithelial migration following surgical obliteration of radical cavities]

We investigated whether the self-cleansing mechanism of the normal ear can be restored in operatively reconstructed open cavities. Dots of Indian ink placed on the drumhead were followed for up to 10 weeks. The epithelium migrates outwards, acting as a self-cleansing mechanism. Partial obliteration of open cavities is recommended in the light of other factors (acoustic phenomena, temperature protection of the inner ear).