Canalplasty for congenital atresia of the external auditory canal

Canalplasty for congenital atresia of the external auditory canal is associated with a high postoperative stenosis rate in the literature. The authors describe an original surgical and stenting technique that has been used systematically since 2000 in the paediatric otolaryngology department of Trousseau hospital in Paris. After minimal endaural canalplasty, possibly combined with lining of the external auditory canal by skin graft, a stent is sutured to the opening of the ear canal and left in place for 4 weeks. This stenting technique can be used for a shorter duration after tympanoplasty in children with behavioural disorders.