Significance and complications of subtotal petrosectomy as preparation for the implantation of active middle ear implants

Introduction, the ultimate aim in subtotal petrosectomy (SP), blind sac closure of the external auditory canal and fatty obliteration, is to create a closed, clean environment so that infection risk on inserted foreign material like an active middle ear implant (AMEI) is reduced. The objective of the study was to describe possible complications of subtotal petrosectomy.

Material and Methods The evaluated follow-up was either until the scheduled device implantation or 6 months postoperatively. We assessed the rate of postoperative wound healing disorder with revision surgery according to the surgical technique for closure of the obliterated cleft.

Results Revision surgery due to impaired wound healing was necessary in 16 % of the total Further analysis concerning the dehiscent area in both sites (retroauricular and blind sac of the external auditory canal) was conducted and discussed. There was no significant difference observed in the rate of revision surgery between the three groups.

Conclusions Our results suggest that for selected patients with open mastoid cavities and chronic middle ear disease, SP with abdominal fat obliteration is an effective and safe technique to facilitate safe AMEI placement.

Poster-PDF A-1591.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020