External auditory canal closure: an alternative management for the refractory chronically draining ear.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the surgical technique and evaluate the effectiveness of external auditory canal (EAC) closure in patients with refractory chronically draining ears.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A retrospective case review of seven patients who underwent EAC closure for chronically draining ears at a private tertiary otologic referral center between 2001 and 2004. Three patients underwent concomitant placement of a BAHA implant, and one patient underwent cochlear implantation during a second-stage procedure.

RESULTS

All seven patients had successful closure of the external auditory canal with elimination of chronic drainage. The follow-up interval ranged from 10 to 35 months. There were no cases of iatrogenic cholesteatoma formation or breakdown of the ear canal closure.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

In patients with refractory chronically draining ears, EAC closure, alone or in conjunction with a bone-anchored implant, may be a treatment option. A BAHA implant can be placed during the initial procedure or staged.