During canal wall down mastoidectomy, the surgeon creates a meatoplasty. The primary purpose of enlarging the external auditory meatus in this procedure is to:
- A Improve hearing by widening the sound-conducting canal
- B Allow adequate ventilation and self-cleaning of the mastoid cavity ✓
- C Prevent post-auricular scar contracture
- D Facilitate future placement of a cochlear implant electrode
Correct answer: B. Allow adequate ventilation and self-cleaning of the mastoid cavity
Explanation
Meatoplasty (enlargement of external auditory meatus) after canal wall down mastoidectomy creates a wide-open bowl that allows ventilation of the mastoid cavity and enables self-cleaning. Without adequate meatoplasty, the residual cavity accumulates keratin debris and moisture, predisposing to recurrent infection and otorrhoea. It does not primarily improve hearing.
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.