Reconstruction of radical mastoid cavities: methods and results.

The radical mastoid cavity can be troublesome and odoriferous, may require frequent visits to an otologist, and may interfere with swimming and showering. Three procedures can be used to reconstruct the radical mastoid cavity. Soft tissue obliteration with autograft bone paste is the most versatile and commonly used technique. Reconstruction with homograft external auditory canal bone is useful for extremely large mastoid cavities that are free of infection. Use of these techniques in 35 patients since 1969 has resulted in dry, trouble free ears and improved hearing when reconstruction of the ossicular chain was performed. Use of this technique has helped patients with radical mastoid cavities to return to a normal active life style.