Mastoid size and otitis media with effusion: question of correlation.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the incidence of otitis media (OME) with effusion on histologic examination in temporal bones with mastoid cavities reduced by the fenestration procedure for otosclerosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Temporal bone histologic study.

METHODS

Light-microscopic examination of serially sectioned temporal bones.

RESULTS

The incidence of otitis media with effusion in temporal bones with prior fenestration operation was not any more frequent than the control group of temporal bones with surgically unaltered mastoid cavity.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no increased incidence of otitis media with effusion in temporal bones with prior fenestration operation.