Comparison of Outcomes of Open Mastoid Cavity- with or Without Obliteration

For a chronically discharging ear open mastoidectomy is the mainstay of treatment, however it can cause high morbidity due a large cavity and complications like discharge, vertigo and difficulty with hearing aids. To avoid such problem, obliteration of mastoid cavity is done. The objective of our study was to compare the post-operative complains, the hearing results and outcomes of open and closed mastoid cavity. The present prospective study was conducted on 40 patients having attico-antral disease in middle ear cleft. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20 each. Out of 40 patients, in 20 patients (Group A) mastoid obliteration was done using conchal cartilage, whereas in other 20 patients (Group B) canal wall down mastoidectomy without mastoid obliteration was done i.e.an open cavity. The patients were followed up post-operatively at 6th week, 3rd month and 6th month. Study Design: comparative study. On Pure Tone Audiometry, 13 (65%) patients with closed mastoid cavity had Air-bone Gap < 30 dB, 7 (35%) were in the range 30-60 dB as compared to open mastoid cavity where 10 (20%), 8 (40%), 2(10%) patients had ABG < 30db, 30-60 dB, and > 60 dB respectively, showing better hearing results in obliterated cavities, healing was also better. In obliterated mastoid cavities, there were very few complications of pain, discharge, and giddiness compared to open cavities. Healing as shown by epithelisation was earlier and better in obliterated cavities. Hearing results were better in mastoid cavities with obliteration compared to open cavities. Patients with obliterated mastoid cavity need less cavity care and doctor dependence.