Modified radical mastoid surgery for chronic ear disease.

The aim of surgery in chronic ear disease is to produce a dry, clean, safe, waterproof ear and to reconstruct the hearing. The techniques available are of the so-called "open" variety or "closed". This article avoids any controversy about the merits of each but presents a method of surgery which in most cases will fulfil the above aims. The techniques of mastoid surgery are well documented. In this article, the finer points are discussed with emphasis on the areas which if insufficiently treated, will lead to recurrence of disease and continuing discharge. These areas are the anterior epi-tympanum, the recess between the tympanic membrane and the anterior and inferior canal walls, the facial ridge and the sump that can form behind it, the sino-dural angle and the mastoid tip.