Temporalis muscle flap for the otologist.

Part or all of the mastoid cavity, ear canal, middle ear, and inner ear are frequently removed in tumor surgery by the otologist. This creates a cavity that is usually closed off at the level of the external meatus and filled with adipose tissue. When this cavity becomes infected in the postoperative period, the surgeon not only has to deal with the local infected cavity, but also with meningitis. This prohibits one from the standard surgical principles of incision and drainage to the outside. A case of an infected obliterated cavity is presented, as well as its treatment with a temporalis muscle flap. This resulted in closure of the dead space in the temporal bone, as well as a successful outcome for the patient.