Chronic ear infection in the immunodeficient patient

In the immunodeficient patient, surgery for chronic ear disease is often unsuccessful. Early recognition of the immune deficiency is of paramount importance in minimizing bacterial infection within the postoperative surgical field. The intravenous administration of immunoglobulins via plasma transfusions, intramuscular injections of gamma-globulin, and the selective use of immunoglobulin applied directly to the healing wound seem useful in achieving beneficial surgical results by containment of infection.