ABSTRACT:
CE
Lateral bulla osteotomy (LBO) is routinely performed with total ear canal ablation
(TECA) to expose and debride tissue and exudate deep within the tympanic cavity.
Because TECA permanently eliminates drainage from the middle ear through the external
meatus, there is risk of intractable deep wound infection and sinus formation resulting
from poor tympanic cavity debridement. Furthermore, the regional anatomy is
complex and poorly exposed, and neurovascular damage during LBO can lead to acute
life-threatening and/or long-standing complications. Most current surgery textbooks just
briefly describe the LBO technique, and only limited access to the tympanic cavity can be
achieved as it is described. This article presents detailed anatomic and procedural
descriptions to provide maximal tympanic cavity exposure while avoiding complications
during and after LBO in dogs.