Narrowing of the ear canal

Reasons for treatment

Suppurative bone infection in the ear canal is suspected

Severe narrowing or blockage of the ear canal is present

Recurrent inflammation due to narrowing of the ear canal

Treatment options

Surgery: day-case surgery under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia

Procedure

Microsurgical technique using an operating microscope:

An incision in front of the ear or in the ear canal provides adequate access.

Partial removal of the ear canal bone.

Healthy ear canal skin or diseased skin is removed.

The removal of bone widens the ear canal.

The displaced skin or the patient's own muscle fascia is placed over the bony defect in the ear canal.

The procedure is completed with internal packing consisting of small sheets of film and moist sponges.

The outer ear is protected by a wraparound dressing and later by an ear shield.

After the procedure

Stitches at the ear can be removed after about one week. Ear canal packing is usually removed after 2–3 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. Regular checks by the referring doctor or Kopfzentrum Bielefeld until the local area has healed.