Mastoid Obliteration with the "Cupeta Technique" After Canal Wall Down Tympanoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media with Cholesteatoma: Preliminary Results.

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Mastoid obliteration (MO) after canal wall down (CWD) tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma (COMC) enables simultaneous surgical management of the pathology and shaping of a new external ear canal (EEC) that is similar to the natural one. The aim of the present work is to describe the results of a new MO technique that involves using homologous bone (HB) material and a Palva flap ("Cupeta technique"). <b>Methods</b>: A retrospective study was conducted on 12 patients undergoing MO for COMC, either during the same operation or in a second-time surgery after CWD. The surgical technique, patient demographics, audiometric data, the EEC volume, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. <b>Results</b>: The MO technique resulted in good outcomes in terms of healing at three months after surgery. Fewer clinical complications were observed compared with similar MO methods described in the literature. HB reabsorption was observed in two patients and was defined as only partial. Measurements of the EEC volume were normal in all patients. The preoperative and postoperative hearing thresholds were similar. <b>Conclusions</b>: Performing MO with the Cupeta technique after CWD is a suitable surgical management method for COMC and demonstrates good clinical postoperative results. We plan to conduct further studies with a longer follow-up and a larger group of patients in order to confirm our findings.