Modified Radical Mastoidectomy: Open Mastoid Cavity versus Cavity Obliteration Using Periosteal Temporofascial Flap - A Comparative Study

Introduction 
The surgical treatment of Chronic Otitis Media by modified radical mastoidectomy usually results in an open cavity, with chronic discharge, hearing loss of 30 to 40 dB, frequent visits to OPD for debris removal and none the less dizziness on cold air exposure. One way to deal with these issues effectively is to obliterate the mastoid cavity. In our study we used vascularised periosteo-temporofascial swing flap with medicated bone dust to obliterate the mastoid cavity.
Material and Methods
In this prospective study, 50 patients who suffered from chronic otitis media, active squamous (cholesteatoma) disease, and underwent modified radical mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty procedure were and split between two equally sized groups. Group 1 had patients with open mastoid cavity and Group 2 had obliteration of mastoid cavity using vascularised periosteo-temporofascial swing flap with medicated bone dust. Patients were followed at  3rd week, 6th week, 3rd month and 6th month.
Results 
Patients with cavity obliteration had better and statistically significant outcomes in term of discharge status of cavity and epithelization at 3 weeks. Patients with obliteration also had positive and statistically significant results in hearing levels and hearing gain at 6 months follow up.
Conclusion 
Mastoid cavity obliteration with vascularised periosteo-temporofascial swing flap with medicated bone dust is a good and effective method for better post-operative outcomes and curtailing dependency on doctors for cavity care.