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Computed tomography in suppurative ear disease: does it influence management?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 March 2006

A. Banerjee
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, North Riding Infirmary, Middlesbrough, UK.
L. M. Flood
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, North Riding Infirmary, Middlesbrough, UK.
P. Yates
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, North Riding Infirmary, Middlesbrough, UK.
K. Clifford
Affiliation:
Department of Radiology, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.

Abstract

The value of high resolution computerized tomography (CT) prior to routine mastoid surgery for cholesteatoma remains controversial. Doubts about sensitivity and specificity, in detecting the extent of underlying pathology and in predicting asymptomatic complications, prevent widespread adoption.

This retrospective study looks at the influence of pre-operative scanning on the surgical management of chronic suppurative otitis media over an 18-month period. The radiological findings determined the choice of surgical approach, but contributed less to the decision to operate and the prediction of potential hazards. CT is of most value when the otologist can be flexible in surgical technique, tailoring it to imaging findings.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
© Royal Society of Medicine Press Limited 2003

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