SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT OF BENIGN NECROTIZING OTITIS-EXTERNA

Benign necrotizing otitis externa (BNOE) is a rare condition of unknow n aetiology which is characterized by the formation of an avascular bo ny sequestrum of the tympanic plate. The vascular supply of the tympan ic plate is easily compromized as demonstrated by the development of a vascular necrosis in radionecrosis of the tympanic plate and malignant otitis externa. Recognition of BNOE as distinct from malignant otitis externa and carcinoma of the external ear is important as the treatme nt differs greatly. BNOE also forms an important part of the different ial diagnosis of recalcitrant otitis externa. Management of BNOE has b een unclear with long-term medical treatment being advocated. In this series of five patients, the surgical management of four patients with BNOE is described. Surgery was successful in all these patients and i s advocated as an alternative to medical management.