Management of the chronically draining ear.

Management of the chronically draining ear requires careful assessment as to the source and predisposing factors leading to recurrent infections. Surgery should be planned to remove all irreversible disease and to seal the middle ear in a single operation, whether this requires a simple myringoplasty or extensive mastoidectomy, ossicular chain reconstruction, and tympanoplasty. Before surgery, every effort should be made to control the infection medically. After surgery, periodic irrigation with acetic acid alcohol will help to keep the ear clean and trouble-free. This paper will describe an approach to the assessment and management of the chronically draining ear in a single operation.