Changes in otological teaching following analysis of failures in surgical technique

An analysis was made of the results of mastoid surgery performed in the Professorial Unit of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, between the years 1970 and 1974. Most of the surgery was performed by trainee surgeons at the end of the teaching programme. The incidence of unsatisfactory results was greater with open mastoid surgery than with closed mastoid surgery. The causes of failure were analysed, and the underlying defects in the teaching programme identified. The subsequent modification in the teaching methods that resulted are illustrated.