Endaural meatoplasty: the Whipps Cross technique

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Mastoid surgery often requires meatoplasty to ensure adequate drainage and healing.
• Traditional meatoplasty techniques can be complex or yield suboptimal cosmetic results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a straightforward endaural meatoplasty technique for mastoid surgery.
• To provide an online video demonstration of the surgical procedure.

Main Methods:

• An endaural incision is followed by precise marking and incision of the anterior conchal bowl.
• Resection of a conchal cartilage segment and a triangular flap of skin/soft tissue facilitates meatoplasty.
• Closure is achieved with absorbable sutures post-(attico)mastoidectomy.

Main Results:

• The technique was successfully applied to 64 patients over two years.
• All patients achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The described endaural meatoplasty is a simple, easily learned, and rapid surgical approach.
• This technique effectively contributes to achieving a dry mastoid cavity with appropriate meatoplasty.