Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-l7hp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-28T01:39:11.227Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

A long term follow up of conchal flap meatoplasty in chronic otitis externa

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 October 2006

P Jayanth Kumar  and
G J C Smelt
P Jayanth Kumar
Affiliation:
Department of Accident & Emergency, City Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
G J C Smelt
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

A long-standing diffuse chronic otitis externa can lead to itching. Resultant scratching may then lead to irreversible skin changes with canal stenosis by scar tissue. The poor ventilation and increased humidity gives rise to bacterial and fungal growths leading to breakdown of the skin defences and worsening itching. This vicious itching–scratch cycle or downward spiral often fails to respond to medical treatment. For these cases a simple conchal flap meatoplasty may improve ventilation of the external auditory canal and may lead to a self cleaning ear. We reviewed 84 patients who had undergone conchal flap meatoplasty in Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust Hospitals from April 1993 to June 2002. A long-term follow up of conchal flap meatoplasty in chronic otitis externa showed no records of complications or further otitis in 93.2 per cent of cases. Thus surgical intervention plays an important role in the treatment of otitis externa not responding to treatment.

Keywords

Ear CanalOtitis ExternaOtologic Surgical Procedures
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 121 , Issue 1 , January 2007 , pp. 1 - 4
Copyright
2007 JLO (1984) Limited

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)