M-meatoplasty: results and patient satisfaction in 125 patients (199 ears).

OBJECTIVE

Is M-meatoplasty the solution for chronic otitis externa caused by wax retention? This study discusses acceptance of this operation and whether sedation is necessary.

STUDY DESIGN

Between October 1994 and October 1997, 199 successive M-meatoplasties (125 patients) were studied, and 79% of the patients completed a questionnaire in which patient satisfaction with the procedure and outcome was assessed.

SETTING

Local hospital, functioning as a secondary referral center.

PATIENTS

All patients had narrowing of the lateral part of the outer ear canal resulting from anterior displacement of the cavum conchae cartilage.

INTERVENTION

The aim of M-meatoplasty is to increase the lumen of the entrance to the external ear canal by reducing the conchal cartilage on the posterior wall

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Reduction of visits to the outpatient clinic, patient satisfaction on a scale from 1 (very bad) to 10 (excellent).

RESULTS

The number of preoperative visits was 7 (range 1-153). The median number of postoperative visits for the same problems more than 3 months after surgery was 1 (range 0-14). The patient score for the surgery and the final result was a median of 9 (very good).

CONCLUSIONS

Wax obstruction and related external otitis can be cured by M-meatoplasty if the conchal cartilage is too prominent on the posterior wall. It is a simple outpatient operation and is very well tolerated. After the operation, there is an enormous reduction in outpatient visits.