Mitomycin-C in the postsurgical ear canal.

Abstract

Our goal was to evaluate the use of topical mitomycin-C (MMC) in the prevention of scar tissue formation in the postsurgical external auditory canal (EAC). Study design and setting We conducted a prospective pilot study at a tertiary care institution. Six patients with recurrent postoperative granulation tissue after canaloplasty, tympanomastoidectomy, or lateral temporal bone resection were included. MMC (0.5 mg/mL) was applied topically for 5 minutes to the EAC/mastoid cavity. Outcomes were measured at initial MMC application and 1 and 3 months thereafter using a visual analog scale score based on the degree of EAC occlusion by granulation tissue. Need for debridement of recurrent granulation tissue on follow-up was noted. Three (50%) patients had improved VAS 1 month after treatment. Two (33%) had improved visual analog scale score at 3 months. Five (83%) required at least one debridement procedure. Repeat MMC application was performed in 2 patients. Topical MMC was ineffective in preventing scar formation in the postsurgical EAC.