Lateral Wall Resection

Question 1

What is a lateral wall resection

Answer 1

Is an operation to remove the lateral cartilaginous wall of the vertical ear canal, to expose the horizontal canal.

Question 2

What patients is this done for?

Answer 2

For patients that have on going chronic otitis externa or repeated ear infections

Question 3

How does this surgery help?`

Answer 3

Creates ventilation and drainage of the ear canal

Question 4

Patient Prep

Answer 4

loose hairs are then removed using a vacuum. Prior to preparing the skin, the ear canal should be cleaned with swabs and Epi-Otic® or sterile saline, to remove as much wax and debris as possible. Povidone Iodine 5% is then used to clean the inner and outer aspects of the ear.

Question 5

Where is the area clipped?

Answer 5

The entire side of the face of the affected ear as well as both sides of the pinna should be clipped

Question 6

Patient Positioning

Answer 6

lateral recumbency with the affected ear uppermost. It is necessary for this procedure to place a support bag under the head of the patient to elevate it slightly. This can be achieved by using a towel rolled up or a support bag.

Question 7

What draping is needed?

Answer 7

4 quarter drapes

Question 8

Instruments?

Answer 8

No special instruments needed, a general surgical kit is only what is needed.

Question 9

Post op concerns?

Answer 9

monitored for pain.

An Elizabethan collar will be required post operatively to prevent scratching at the surgical site.