Tag Archives: Mastoidectomy

PUBLISHED: Mastoidectomy

Mastoidectomy
David M. Kaylie, MD, MS1Adam A. Karkoutli2C. Scott Brown, MD1
1Duke University Medical Center
2Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans

Mastoidectomy involves the removal of bone and air cells contained within the mastoid portion of the temporal bone. Common indications for this procedure include acute mastoiditis, chronic mastoiditis, cholesteatoma, and the presence of tympanic retraction pockets. Mastoidectomy may also be performed as part of other otologic procedures (e.g. cochlear implantation, lateral skull base tumors, labyrinthectomy, etc.) in order to gain access to the middle ear cavity, petrous apex, and cerebellopontine angle.

The procedure involves dissecting within the confines of the mastoid cavity, which include the tegmen superiorly, the sigmoid sinus posteriorly, the bony ear canal anteriorly, and the labyrinth medially. Mastoidectomy is traditionally classified as: simple (cortical/Schwartze), radical, and modified radical/Bondy’s mastoidectomy. The procedure can also be classified based on the preservation of the posterior canal wall: canal wall up (CWU) or canal wall down (CWD).

PUBLISHED: Endolymphatic Sac Decompression

Endolymphatic Sac Decompression
C. Scott Brown, MD; Calhoun D. Cunningham III, MD
Duke University Medical Center

Endolymphatic sac (ELS) decompression can be performed for patients with Meniere’s disease who have failed conservative treatment such as dietary changes and medical therapy. The full pathophysiological mechanisms that result in Meniere’s disease are not entirely understood. The variation in techniques for performing ELS decompression support this; there is no concrete data to justify one approach over another. Regardless, in the correct patient, ELS decompression can significantly alleviate the patient’s symptoms. To do so, a mastoidectomy is performed to expose the bony labyrinth as well as the bone overlying the sigmoid sinus. Decompression of the sac can be accomplished by removing overlying bone, incising the dura, or stenting the dura open.

PREPRINT RELEASE: Mastoid Obliteration

Mastoid Obliteration
Duke University Medical Center
Calhoun D. Cunningham III, MD
C. Scott Brown, MD
Department of Surgery
Division of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences

After a canal-wall-down mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma, a patient presented with recurrence and persistent infection. Dr. Calhoun Cunningham III performs a mastoid obliteration with ossicular chain reconstruction to both eradicate the disease and restore the patient's hearing.

PREPRINT RELEASE: Endolymphatic Sac Decompression

Endolymphatic Sac Decompression
Duke University Medical Center
Calhoun D. Cunningham III, MD
C. Scott Brown, MD
Department of Surgery
Division of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences

A patient with intractable Meniere’s disease presents for decompression of the endolymphatic sac. Dr. Calhoun Cunningham demonstrates the anatomical boundaries of the sac and explains his approach of stenting the sac open in order to alleviate the patient’s symptoms.

PREPRINT RELEASE: Cochlear Implant

Cochlear Implant
Duke University Medical Center
Calhoun D. Cunningham III, MD
C. Scott Brown MD

Department of Surgery
Division of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences

Dr. Cunningham demonstrates the round window approach for placement of an Advanced Bionics Cochlear Implant into the right ear of a patient with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. Emphasis on surgical anatomy and technique is emphasized as he performs this delicate neurotological procedure.