Abstract

OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative evaluation on functional surgical outcomes in congenital aural atresia surgery which is one of the most challenging procedures of otolaryngology.

METHODS: Twelve patients (8 males, 4 females; mean age 12.9±6.8 years; range 6 to 32 years) who underwent surgery for unilateral congenital aural atresia in our clinic between October 2007 and April 2013 were included in this study. All patients were performed pre- and postoperative physical examination, and audiologic and radiologic evaluation. Patients were preoperatively evaluated according to Altmann’s classification and Jahrsdorfer’s surgery indication classification. All patients were operated under general anesthesia using transatretic (anterior) approach.

RESULTS: According to preoperative evaluation, three patients had Altmann type 1 minor malformation and nine patients had type 2 moderate malformation. No patient had type 3 major malformation. Congenital cholesteatoma was detected in two patients. According to Jahrsdorfer’s surgery indication classification, three patients were excellent, four patients were very good, four patients were good and one patient was fair candidates for functional surgery. Mean air-bone gap was 43±4.1 (range 38-50) dB at postoperative sixth week, 36.3±3.4 (range 30-42) dB at postoperative third month, 30.4±2.6 (range 28-35) dB at postoperative sixth month, and 30.2±2.1 (range 25-35) at postoperative 12th month. One patient (9%) developed postoperative infection, and two patients (18%) developed restenosis.

CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation of patients in congenital aural atresia surgery is of vital importance in terms of surgical success. Obtaining successful surgical and functional outcomes is strongly related to preoperative evaluation and postoperative follow-up along with surgical technique and surgeon’s experience.