A Novel Use of Modified Tracheostomy Tubes in Preventing External Auditory Canal Stenosis

BACKGROUND: Postoperative or post-traumatic canal restenosis in patients with external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis is a troublesome complication faced by many ear surgeons following canalplasty or meatoplasty. Many ear prostheses and surgical methods have been introduced to prevent the occurrence of such complication. Our aim in this study is to explore the feasibility of using modified non-fenestrated uncuffed tracheostomy tubes (TT) as postoperative stents after ear canal surgery.

METHODS: Canalplasty or meatoplasty was performed under general anesthesia via the posterior auricular transcanal approach. The EAC diameter and length were measured and a non-fenestrated uncuffed TT of suitable size was fitted into the ear canal. The TT was then modified during fitting, to fit onto the concha. Patients were advised on the importance of compliance. The adequacy of the size of the EAC after the surgery was assessed during follow-ups.

RESULTS: A total of 3 patients (4 ears) were included in our study. Various sizes of TTs were fitted into their EAC following canalplasty or meatoplasty. All of them showed excellent postoperative outcome on follow up 2 years after the surgery, with no evidence of postoperative EAC stenosis.

CONCLUSION: Modified TT stent after canalplasty or meatoplasty is proposed as an excellent alternative in preventing restenosis of EAC in centers with limited resources.