Epithelial migration in open mastoidectomy cavities

To study the rate and pattern of epithelial migration in 18 dry, open mastoidectomy cavities.

This was a prospective study of 19 patients who had undergone mastoidectomy at a secondary (state) hospital and a tertiary referral centre at least 6 months previously and whose mastoid cavities were dry and not infected. Their mastoidectomy cavities were cleaned and India ink dots applied in its medial aspect under microscope. The patients were followed up at 1 or 2 weekly intervals for a minimum of 3 months or until the dots disappeared, whichever came first. On follow-up, the cavities were examined under microscope. If migration was observed, the rate and pattern were noted.

Most (94.4%) of the cavities were noted to have epithelial migration laterally. No migration was observed in 5.6%. The start of migration of ink dots was noted in the 2nd week in 53% of the cavities, with a mean of 3.05 weeks. The mean rate of migration was 0.68 mm/week.

Epithelial migration appears to be predominantly lateral (94.4%), with onset in the 2nd week (53%) at a rate of 0.68 mm/week. Epithelial migration might not play an important role in accumulation of wax in open mastoidectomy cavities.