The Journal of International
Advanced Otology
Original Article

Evaluation of Postoperative Practices Regarding Packing of the External Auditory Canal

1.

CHU de Tours, Service ORL et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Boulevard Tonnellé, Tours, France

2.

Faculté de Médecine de Tours, Université François-Rabelais de Tours, CHRU de Tours, Boulevard Tonnellé, Tours, France

3.

Inserm UMR 1253 I-Brain, Université François-Rabelais de Tours, CHRU de Tours, Boulevard Tonnellé, Tours, France

J Int Adv Otol 2022; 18: 145-149
DOI: 10.5152/iao.2022.21348
Read: 804 Downloads: 329 Published: 30 March 2022

BACKGROUND: Packing of the external auditory canal after ear surgery is an established practice in most otologic centers. However, no guidelines exist concerning the management of this process. The aim of the study is to investigate otologists’ habits concerning packing of the external ear canal after otologic surgery. A second objective was to collect their opinion concerning the absence of packing.
METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional survey. We sent an online questionnaire to the 135 members of the French Otology and Neurotology Association (AFON). It was conducted between March 15, 2020, and May 15, 2020. It consisted of 11 demographic questions and 6 surgical management-related questions concerning 6 major otologic procedures.
RESULTS: Fifty-seven members answered the survey. The most frequent packing used was ear wick with silicon sheets (48.6%) among all surgical procedures. Among participants, 62% used the same packing material for all surgical procedures. Of the participants, 96% were reluctant not to pack the external ear canal after otologic surgery.
CONCLUSION: This study shows a great variability concerning surgeons’ practices. A randomized controlled trial would be helpful to guide surgeons for ear packing after otologic surgery and assess the absence of packing.
Cite this article as: Renard L, Charles A, Marianne S, tran Trinh T, David B. Evaluation of postoperative practices regarding packing of the external auditory canal. J Int Adv Otol. 2022;18(2):145-149.

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