Split-thickness skin grafting in postmastoidectomy revision and in lateral temporal bone resection.

Abstract

Use of split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) in revision canal wall-down (CWD) mastoidectomy was compared with STSG in lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR). A retrospective study of 11 patients undergoing revision CWD mastoidectomy and 6 patients undergoing LTBR with STSG in an academic health center setting. Successful epithelialization of the mastoid cavity occurred in 9 patients (82%) undergoing CWD mastoidectomy. Subjective success, measured as reduction in complaints of otorrhea, occurred in 10 patients (91%). In the 6 patients who underwent LTBR and STSG successful epithelialization of the temporal bone defect occurred in 5 patients (83%). Successful and rapid epithelialization occurred in the revision mastoidectomy cohort as well as in the primary temporal bone resection cohort. Placement of STSG is a useful adjunct in revision CWD mastoidectomy as well as in primary LTBR for cancer.