Management of traumatic stenosis and atresia of the external auditory canal

Objective To study management of traumatic stenosis and atresia of the external auditory canal.Methods Nineteen cases of traumatic stenosis or atresia of the external auditory canal treated between July 1991 and December 2007 were retrospectively analyzed.All 19 cases were treated with external auditory canal plastic surgery and followed for 1 to 12 years.Results Adequate ear canal sizes were maintained in 15 cases with normal hearing at their last follow ups.Recurrent stenosis occurred in 4 cases,of which 1 was treated with iodoform gauze packing,,2 with silastic tubes,and 1 with revision surgery.Conclusion External auditory canal plastic surgery is effective in treating traumatic stenosis and atresia,preferably in the early stage.