Abstract
Objective: 1) Show that mastoid cavities with continuous infections and cleaning problems can be obliterated with bioactive glass (BG). Bioactive glass S53P4 inhibits bacterial growth, turns slowly into bone, and activates new bone formation. 2) Present results of a pilot study for 16 operations on adults.
Method: A prospective follow-up of mastoid obliterations started in 2007. The mean follow-up time is 1.16 years. Fourteen ears had a large open radical cavity with recurrent infections. Two ears had discharge and pain after simple mastoidectomy. A re-mastoidectomy included support of the cavity skin and obliteration with BG.
Results: All ears become dry. One reoperation was needed, as the fascia support to the EC skin was too weak and part of the BG leaked into the EC. The ear stayed dry, and the missing BG was replaced in a reoperation. A slightly short musculoperiosteal flap supported the EC skin in one ear. A minor amount of BG leaked into the EC. The ear stayed dry. The aim was an ample ear canal (EC). One ear was overfilled and waits for meatoplasty. Simple mastoid cavities were isolated from the middle ear and became asymptomatic.
Conclusion: BG works as obliteration material in problematic open radical cavities safely and with success. BG seems to tolerate chronic infection in the mastoid and prevent postoperative infections.
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