Background: The surgical treatment of acquired post-inflammatory atresia of the external auditory canal (EAC) is challenging. Based on the long-term surgical experience, a modified split skin graft technique has been established at our clinic.
Aims/objectives: The aim was to evaluate the clinical and audiological data and patient satisfaction after performing meatoplasty.
Material and methods: In total, 16 patients were included who underwent intraoperative enlargement of the bony EAC, resection of the fibrotic scar tissue, reconstruction with split skin grafts and splinting of the anterior tympanomeatal angle in the period of 2004-2016. Patients presented at a long-term follow-up appointment for reevaluation.
Results: The mean follow-up time was 52 months after surgery. The pure-tone average (52 dB vs. 31 dB) and the air-bone gap (27 dB vs. 11 dB) decreased significantly compared to the preoperative status. The grade of stenosis also showed a significant improvement during the follow-up visit. Complete re-atresia was observed only in two patients (10.5%).
Conclusion: The applied surgical technique is a safe and successful treatment option for acquired atresia of the EAC.
Significance: The study provides important data for the surgical treatment of acquired atresia of the EAC and corroborates the significance of intensive aftercare.
Keywords: Ear canal; hearing loss; patient satisfaction; skin transplantation; treatment outcome.