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The Fate of Mastoid Obliteration Tissue: A Histopathological Study
Author(s) -
Linthicum Fred H.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1097/00005537-200210000-00013
Subject(s) - subcutaneous tissue , bone tissue , medicine , anatomy , hard tissue , muscle tissue , pathology , surgery
Objectives To demonstrate the histopathological fate of tissues used for mastoid obliteration over a period of 30 years. Study Design Retrospective histopathological analysis of archival temporal bone microscopic sections. Methods From the database of the laboratory, the 17 temporal bones from subjects who had undergone mastoid obliteration procedures were identified. The microscopic appearance of the obliteration tissue was described, and microphotographs made of significant findings. Results Fat and bone chips, or paté, retained their bulk in the obliterated space, whereas subcutaneous tissue and muscle lost bulk but seemed to promote healing. Some substances, such as bone wax, used for hemostasis and buried under obliteration tissue, were found to produce a subclinical inflammatory reaction, but other materials, such as Surgicel and Gelfoam, did not. Conclusions Fat and bone chips, or paté, used as mastoid obliteration tissue, retained their bulk and identity, whereas subcutaneous tissue and muscle did not.