Application of modified transmastoid approach methods to congenital atresia of the external ear canal with middle ear infection.

OBJECTIVE: To present our surgical technique for congenital atresia of the external ear canal with middle ear infection.

METHODS: A modified transmastoid approach to congenital atresia of the external ear canal with middle ear infection was applied. Our method is to visualize the landmarks of the mastoid cavity such as the antrum, sinodural angle and digastric ridge by the canal-open method to avoid facial nerve injury and then prepare a relatively large external ear canal with reconstruction of the posterior wall of the external ear canal.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This method is suitable not only for treating congenital atresia of the external ear canal with middle ear infection, but also for avoiding facial nerve injury and postoperative complications such as re-stenosis of the new ear canal and postoperative middle ear infection.