PASSIVE DRAINAGE VERSUS PRIMARY CLOSURE AFTER TOTAL EAR CANAL ABLATION LATERAL BULLA OSTEOTOMY IN DOGS - 59 DOGS (1985-1995)

Objective- Compare passive wound drainage to primary closure of total ear canal ablation-lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO) in dogs. Study D esign- Retrospective analysis of medical records. Sample Population- F ifty-nine dogs with end-stage otitis externa or neoplasia of the exter nal and middle ear. Methods- Medical records of dogs with TECA-LBO wer e reviewed. Dogs were divided into postoperative drain and primary clo sure groups. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differenc es in data for signalment, preoperative treatment, duration of hospita lization, immediate complications, and long-term complications between groups. Results- No significant differences were detected in signalme nt, diagnosis, and duration of medical management between groups (P >. 05). Duration of hospitalization was greater for dogs in the drain gro up (P <.05). Immediate postoperative complications occurred in 26 of 5 9 dogs and included ipsilateral facial palsy, incision swelling, vesti bular signs, premature drain removal, and one dog died of aspiration p neumonia. Long-term (>6 months) complications were identified in 12 of 50 dogs and included dermatitis of the medial aspect of the pinna, ch ronic fistula formation, and permanent facial paralysis. No associatio n between immediate or long term complications and method of closure w as identified. Conclusions- Primary closure is an acceptable alternati ve in dogs undergoing TECA-LBO when surgical wound dead space can be m anaged with meticulous hemostasis, complete debridement of devitalized tissue, and accurate apposition of tissue planes. (C) Copyright 1997 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.