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Mastoid size and otitis media with effusion: question of correlation

M Ng1, F H Linthicum

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA. mng@hsc.usc.edu

The Laryngoscope
|July 17, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fenestration surgery for otosclerosis does not increase the risk of otitis media with effusion. Histologic examination of temporal bones showed no higher incidence in operated versus unoperated mastoid cavities.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Histopathology
  • Surgical Outcomes

Background:

  • Otosclerosis is a common cause of conductive hearing loss.
  • Fenestration surgery was historically used to treat otosclerosis.
  • Potential complications of middle ear surgery include otitis media with effusion (OME).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of OME in temporal bones after fenestration surgery.
  • To compare OME rates in surgically altered versus unaltered mastoid cavities.

Main Methods:

  • Histologic examination of serially sectioned human temporal bones.
  • Comparison of temporal bones with prior fenestration procedures to a control group.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant difference in OME incidence was observed.
  • Temporal bones with prior fenestration showed OME rates comparable to the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Fenestration surgery for otosclerosis does not appear to increase the risk of developing otitis media with effusion.
  • Histologic findings support the safety of fenestration regarding OME incidence.

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