SMALL CAVITY MASTOIDECTOMY - 5-YEAR REVIEW

It has been recognized that the traditional method of open mastoid sur gery often produces a larger mastoid cavity than necessary. Small cavi ty mastoidectomy is advocated to reduce the size of the mastoid cavity by exteriorizing the cholesteatoma from the epitympanum backwards. Wh en this operation is performed in a sclerotic mastoid bone, the result ing cavity is very small. The 5 year review of 39 ears with small cavi ty mastoidectomy is presented. Not only were the mastoid cavities smal l, they remained stable and trouble-free. It also enabled the patients to enjoy swimming and minimizing wax accumulation within the cavities . The hearing results after 5 years were comparable to that of the clo sed technique. Formation of cholesterol granuloma behind the concho-me atal flap was an uncommon complication.