The fate of mastoid obliteration tissue: a histopathological study.

Abstract

To demonstrate the histopathological fate of tissues used for mastoid obliteration over a period of 30 years. Retrospective histopathological analysis of archival temporal bone microscopic sections. From the database of the laboratory, the 17 temporal bones from subjects who had undergone mastoid obliteration procedures were identified. The microscopic appearance of the obliteration tissue was described, and microphotographs made of significant findings. Fat and bone chips, or paté, retained their bulk in the obliterated space, whereas subcutaneous tissue and muscle lost bulk but seemed to promote healing. Some substances, such as bone wax, used for hemostasis and buried under obliteration tissue, were found to produce a subclinical inflammatory reaction, but other materials, such as Surgicel and Gelfoam, did not. Fat and bone chips, or paté, used as mastoid obliteration tissue, retained their bulk and identity, whereas subcutaneous tissue and muscle did not.