M-meatoplasty: results and patient satisfaction in 125 patients (199 ears).
OBJECTIVE
Is M-meatoplasty the solution for chronic otitis externa caused by wax retention? This study discusses acceptance of this operation and whether sedation is necessary.


METHODS
Between October 1994 and October 1997, 199 successive M-meatoplasties (125 patients) were studied, and 79% of the patients completed a questionnaire in which patient satisfaction with the procedure and outcome was assessed.


METHODS
Local hospital, functioning as a secondary referral center.


METHODS
All patients had narrowing of the lateral part of the outer ear canal resulting from anterior displacement of the cavum conchae cartilage.


METHODS
The aim of M-meatoplasty is to increase the lumen of the entrance to the external ear canal by reducing the conchal cartilage on the posterior wall


METHODS
Reduction of visits to the outpatient clinic, patient satisfaction on a scale from 1 (very bad) to 10 (excellent).


RESULTS
The number of preoperative visits was 7 (range 1-153). The median number of postoperative visits for the same problems more than 3 months after surgery was 1 (range 0-14). The patient score for the surgery and the final result was a median of 9 (very good).


CONCLUSIONS
Wax obstruction and related external otitis can be cured by M-meatoplasty if the conchal cartilage is too prominent on the posterior wall. It is a simple outpatient operation and is very well tolerated. After the operation, there is an enormous reduction in outpatient visits.
Rombout
J
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, St. Lucas-Andreas Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van Rijn
P M
PM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004429:Ear Ossicles / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000601:surgery*; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome