During a canal wall down mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma, the surgeon must create a meatoplasty. The primary purpose of meatoplasty in modified radical mastoidectomy is to:
- A Improve cosmesis of the post-auricular scar
- B Reduce postoperative sensorineural hearing loss
- C Provide adequate drainage and ventilation of the mastoid bowl to prevent accumulation of squamous debris ✓
- D Enable better access for ossicular reconstruction
Correct answer: C. Provide adequate drainage and ventilation of the mastoid bowl to prevent accumulation of squamous debris
Explanation
Meatoplasty enlarges the external auditory meatus to create an adequately sized opening into the mastoid cavity, ensuring proper drainage, ventilation, and ease of cleaning the mastoid bowl. Without adequate meatoplasty, keratin debris accumulates and the cavity becomes problematic. It does not primarily improve cosmesis, reduce SNHL, or aid ossicular reconstruction.
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.