total obliteration of the mastoid, middle ear, and external auditory canal. A review of 27 cases.

In the past 22 years, 27 patients have undergone total obliteration of the mastoid, middle ear, and external auditory canal. Most of the patients had severely diseased ears, many with multiple previous operations. When performed for chronic otorrhea, the operation resulted in a dry ear in all but two cases, though healing was prolonged in some. Secondary revisions for hearing were unsuccessful. We review the indications for this procedure and the experience of others who have used similar techniques. Though seldom indicated, the mastoid obliteration operation results in a dry ear in almost all patients.