A patient with chronic suppurative otitis media undergoes canal wall down mastoidectomy. At 6 months postoperatively, the mastoid cavity continues to discharge and develop debris. The most appropriate long-term management is:

• A Revision surgery to convert to canal wall up
• B Systemic antibiotics for 6 weeks
• C Regular mastoid cavity cleaning and aural toilet ✓
• D Obliteration with abdominal fat

Explanation

Canal wall down cavities require lifelong maintenance with periodic aural toilet and cleaning of accumulated squamous debris. This is an expected consequence of the procedure, not a failure. Cavity discharge is managed with topical antibiotic drops and regular debridement. Fat obliteration is an option for problematic cavities but regular cleaning is the primary management.

Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.