Study design and patient selection
In this prospective longitudinal study, adult patients undergoing
surgery for CMED were assessed for inclusion. Patients were recruited
from a tertiary hospital (RM, NWM). Patients received autologous
reconstruction material (local pediculed muscle flaps, bone paté,
temporal muscle fascia and cartilage) when the mastoid cavity was
obliterated and/or to reconstruct the posterior canal wall. In cases of
involvement of the ossicles, ossiculoplasty (TTP-Variac System, Heinz
Kurz GmbH, Dusslingen, Germany) was performed to improve the hearing.
Patients underwent pure-tone audiometry and completed the ZCMEI-21 both
pre- and postoperatively.