MASTOID OBLITERATION IN CHILDREN IN NEPAL

Abstract

Objective: To compare the healing time and complications in obliterated and nonobliterated mastoid cavities in children.

Materials and methods: A prospective, longitudinal, comparative, interventional study with a minimum follow up of 6 months was carried between October 2010 to October 2012. A total of 30 patients of age ≤12 years underwent modified radical mastoidectomy (MRM). 15 MRM with mastoid cavity obliteration with inferiorly based muscul of ascioperiosteal flap and remaining 15 MRM without mastoid cavity obliteration under general anesthesia in Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, and Nepal. Healing time (weeks) and complications were recorded in both groups after surgery i.e. 10-14 days, 4-6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks and compared.

Results: The average healing period in group A was 9 weeks and 11.67 weeks in Group B. There was no statistical significance in healing time between the two groups (p value = 0.496). In group A, 3 cases had vomiting in early post operative and it was controlled with antiemetic. Ear discharge was seen in 3 cases and 1 case in early 2 weeks postoperative period in groupA and group B respectively. Facial nerve palsy was noted in 1 case in group B in 2 weeks postoperative period. Canal stenosis was recorded in 1 case in group A in 4-6 weeks postoperative period. Swelling behind the pinna was recorded in 1 case in group A in early postoperative period.

Conclusion: The average healing time in MRM with mastoid cavity obliteration is faster (9 weeks) to MRM without mastoid cavity obliteration (11.6 weeks) however no statistical significance was noted. There were no major complications noted during thestudy period.

Keywords: Complication, Healing, mastoid cavity obliteration, Modified radical mastoidectomy