Reconstruction of the mastoidectized ear.

Moderator Dr. Tabb: We will concentrate on the modified radical mastoidectomy and the radical mastoidectomy where the posterior osseous canal wall is removed and a mastoid cavity created. Radical mastoid operations are usually performed for chronic infections and/or cholesteatomas involving the middle ear and mastoid process of the temporal bone. The first objective of the mastoid surgeon should be eradication of the disease. We would naturally assume that this has been accomplished before any reconstructive surgery is performed. In achieving the goal of disease removal, it is inevitable in some cases that varying amounts of the posterior osseous canal wall must be removed, creating a mastoid cavity, which, in the opinion of many otologists, is a deformity and should be reconstructed. I would like to start off with a question: Why should we attempt to reconstruct the bony canal wall? Why should we attempt to avoid a mastoid cavity? Dr.