[Canal-wall-down mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty surgery preserving chorda tympani nerve integrality].

OBJECTIVE

To report the way for searching the chorda tympani nerve and the significance for preserving the chorda tympani nerve during canal-wall-down mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty surgery.

METHOD: Sixty-six cases with chronic suppurative otitis media underwent canal-wall-down mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty surgery. According to the marker of the short crus of incus, the posterior wall of auditory canal was lowered and crista of the chorda tympani nerve was found through tracing the facial nerve contour. The chorda tympani nerve was preserved after clearing the surrounding tissue.

RESULT: Among the 66 cases, 24 cases had middle ear cholesteatoma, 42 cases had granulation in middle ear. The cholesteatoma and granulation on the surface of the chorda tympani nerve were cleared thoroughly. No neurotmesis or obvious change of taste occurred after operation.

CONCLUSION

Canal-wall-down mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty surgery preserving chorda tympani nerve integrality may preserve the structure and function of the chorda tympani nerve, reduce the risk of ossicle extrusion above the head of stapes and serve as a frame for transplanting fascia.