The role of surgery in necrotizing otitis externa

This retrospective case review describes a subset of 5 patients with necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) with a refractory disease course who underwent surgery as part of their management plan between 2008 and 2013. Surgery promoted the cure of 4 of the 5 patients, and a fungal pathogen was recovered in 4 of 5 surgical samples. We conclude that surgery may be a necessary diagnostic and treatment adjunct in selective cases of NOE, especially in patients with a refractory disease course or with a suspected fungal etiology.