[More than 10 years of revision-cleaning and revision-reconstructive ear surgery in chronic otitis media; good long-term results]

Abstract

Objective: To describe the long-term results of revision surgery in patients with chronic otitis media.

Setting: University Hospital, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Methods: A personal series of 323 revision mastoidectomies and (or) revision tympanoplasties was evaluated. Surgery was performed between 1981-1995 with a follow-up of one (minimal) to 14 years (maximal). Anatomical and functional results of various subgroups were compared.

Results: A preoperative incidence of cholesteatoma of 34% (n = 99) dropped after revision surgery to 11% residual/recurrent cholesteatomas (n = 9). A dry, safe and disease-free ear with a closed tympanic membrane was obtained in nearly 90% of the cases. However, in 5% (n = 10) without pre-existent cholesteatoma (n = 199), a cholesteatoma developed de novo after revision surgery. A residual air-bone hearing gap < or = 30 dB resulted in 79% of the patients after revision tympanoplasty only (n = 27). Revision mastoidectomy with revision tympanoplasty in open (n = 91) and closed (n = 92) procedures lead to a residual air-bone gap < or = 30 dB in 56% of the open cases (n = 91) and in 73% of the closed cases (before the operation the figures were 37% and 55% respectively).

Conclusion: Revision mastoid surgery and (or) revision tympanoplasty can be quite rewarding and successful.