Osteoradionecrosis of tympanic bone: reconstruction of outer ear canal with pedicled skin flap, combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in five patients

Objective: To evaluate the results of one-stage surgical repair of the meatal skin defect in patients with long-lasting osteoradionecrosis of the outer ear canal, using a postauricular, inferiorly pedicled skin flap. All patients were also treated with hyperbaric oxygen both pre- and post-operatively. Methods: A prospective study evaluating the results of a one-stage surgical procedure to repair the meatal skin defect in live patients with osteoradionecrosis of the outer car canal. All patients were treated with hyperbaric oxygen both pre- and post-operatively. Results: In four of the five patients, intact canal skin was achieved after surgery and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. One patient needed a second operation to cover a small remaining area of bare bone. In one patient, wound healing was unsatisfactory and an area of bare bone remained. Conclusion: In cases of osteoradionecrosis of the outer ear canal, the skin defect can be repaired with an inferiorly pedicled skin flap. Although not yet scientifically proven, the peri-operative application of hyperbaric oxygen may he of additional value to improve wound healing in areas of compromised tissue.