Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A (2026)

A canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWDM) provides good exposure for surgery and reduces the risk of postoperative disease recurrence. Shortcomings of this procedure are debris accumulation leading to lifelong aural cleaning, hearing impairment, profuse otorrhea, cavity infestation by fungi, dizziness, and vertigo with caloric and pressure changes. Mastoid cavity obliteration is performed to restore the anatomic and physiologic functions of ear. The study is undertaken to demonstrate the efficacy of fibro-periosteal post-auricular soft tissue in mastoid cavity obliteration following a canal wall down mastoidectomy. 
Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted for 18 months. 30 patients were included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. Patients were followed up on post-operative days 15, 60, and 90. Observational parameters were noted for any features consistent with recurrence. Air bone gap before and after surgery was compared to evaluate air-bone gap closure.
Results: Amongst 30 patients 23 were male, 7 female. Average pre-operative air-bone gap was 31.45 dB. Intraoperatively, all patients underwent cavity obliteration. Ear discharge was noted in 2 patients on post-operative day 15, of which only 1 patient had ear discharge till the last day of follow-up. Post-operative average air bone gap was 24.59 dB with a closure of 22.16% which was statistically significant (p= 0.0178). 
Conclusion: Obliteration with postauricular soft tissues is a lucid, relatively safe, and efficient technique to prevent troublesome issues following open cavity procedures.