A 40-year-old patient who had a canal wall down (modified radical) mastoidectomy 5 years ago presents with a self-cleaning, dry, odourless cavity. Which term correctly describes this ideal postoperative outcome?

• A A 'healed' or 'safe' open mastoid cavity ✓
• B Mastoid obliteration
• C Tympanoplasty type IV outcome
• D Canal wall reconstruction

Explanation

A successful canal wall down (open) mastoidectomy results in a 'safe' or self-cleansing open mastoid cavity that requires only periodic cavity care (meatoplasty ensures adequate aeration). Problems with this cavity include accumulation of squamous debris (cavity disease), need for lifelong water exclusion, and occasionally recurrent infection — hence annual or biannual follow-up is mandatory. Mastoid obliteration fills the cavity to reduce these issues but has higher recurrence risk if cholesteatoma is not completely cleared.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.