Hearing outcomes following primary malleostapedial rotation ossiculoplasty in patients undergoing modified radical mastoidectomy

Abstract

Introduction Treatment of cholesteatoma consists of either excision or exteriorisation of disease. Approaches have traditionally included a radical or modified radical mastoidectomy and combined approach tympanoplasty. Hearing thresholds following a modified radical mastoidectomy alone have been reported as poor. We assessed hearing outcomes in patients undergoing a primary malleostapedial reconstruction combined with their open cavity surgery. Methods All patients undergoing open cavity mastoidectomy with primary malleostapedial rotation ossiculoplasty between 2009 and 2013 were identified. Case notes were reviewed, and demographic data, recurrence rate and audiometry were recorded. Results Twenty-one patients were identified. The age range was 10–65 years. There was no evidence of recurrence of cholesteatoma. The mean postoperative air-bone gap was 20dBHL, 23dBHL, 10dBHL and 27dBHL at 0.5kHz, 1kHz, 2kHz and 4kHz respectively. Excluding cases consistent with a postoperative ossicular discontinuity (n=3), the mean postoperative air-bone gap was 15dBHL, 19dBHL, 8dBHL and 26dBHL at 0.5kHz, 1kHz, 2kHz and 4kHz respectively. Conclusions The improvement in hearing thresholds demonstrated in this cohort of patients supports the use of this form of ossiculoplasty in those undergoing open cavity procedures. This would also suggest that the subsequent use of hearing aids in these patients would require less amplification and therefore provide superior hearing outcomes. As hearing loss remains a significant concern following modified radical mastoidectomy, we suggest an open cavity with primary malleostapedial rotation ossiculoplasty as a viable alternative to modified radical mastoidectomy alone, in selected cases.