Partial and total reconstruction of old radical cavities. Long-term results

Partial reconstruction of old radical cavities was performed in 118 ears with well-epithelialized mastoid cavities but with problematic tympanic cavities. Total reconstruction was performed in 145 ears with chronically discharging cavities. Partial reconstruction included reconstruction of only the tympanic cavity, whereas in total reconstructions both the tympanic cavity and the external auditory canal were rebuilt, in most cases with obliteration of the mastoid cavity. The patients were reexamined several times during observation periods of up to 17 1/2 years (mean, 8 1/2 years) and the long-term results were analyzed. The primary functional results were good but deteriorated with increasing observation time. In 79% of the patients, the ears remained dry following total radical reconstruction.