Excision exostosis(es), external auditory canal
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Excision exostosis(es), external auditory canal
Common Name: Ear Canal Bone Growth Removal
Technical Term: Excision of External Auditory Canal Exostosis
Summary
This is a surgical procedure to remove abnormal bony growths, known as exostoses, from the external auditory canal (ear canal). These bone growths can block the ear canal, leading to hearing loss and frequent ear infections.
Purpose
Medical Condition: The procedure addresses the presence of exostoses, which are often caused by repeated exposure to cold water and wind.
Goals: The removal of exostoses aims to restore normal ear canal function, improve hearing, and reduce the risk of recurrent infections.
Indications
Symptoms/Conditions:
- Persistent ear fullness
- Recurrent ear infections
- Conductive hearing loss
- Pain or discomfort in the ear
Patient Criteria:
- Confirmed diagnosis of exostosis via physical examination and imaging
- Significant symptoms impacting quality of life
Preparation
Pre-procedure Instructions:
- Typically, fasting for at least 6 hours before surgery
- Adjustments or temporary discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners)
- Arrange for transportation and post-procedure care
Diagnostic Tests:
- Audiogram (hearing test)
- CT scan of the temporal bones (if needed)
Procedure Description
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is asleep and pain-free.
- Incision: A small incision is made in the ear canal.
- Removal: Specialized surgical instruments are used to carefully remove the bony growths.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and the ear canal may be packed with sterile dressing.
Tools & Equipment: Microscope, fine surgical instruments, suction, and irrigation devices.
Duration
The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Setting
Usually performed in a hospital's surgical suite or a specialized outpatient surgical center.
Personnel
- Surgeon: Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist)
- Anesthesiologist: Administers and monitors anesthesia
- Nurses/Technicians: Provide surgical assistance and post-operative care
Risks and Complications
Common Risks: Swelling, temporary hearing loss, post-operative pain.
Rare Risks: Persistent hearing loss, damage to the ear canal or eardrum, infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Benefits
Expected Benefits: Improved hearing, reduced ear infections, relief from ear canal discomfort.
Timeline: Benefits are often realized progressively over weeks as healing occurs.
Recovery
Post-Procedure Care:
- Keep the ear dry and avoid water exposure
- Follow-up appointments for removing dressings and checking healing
- Pain management with prescribed medications
Recovery Time: Generally, 2 to 4 weeks with gradual resumption of normal activities.
Alternatives
Other Treatments:
- Monitoring and avoiding cold water exposure
- Hearing aids for severe hearing loss
- Ear canal debridement for temporary relief
Pros and Cons of Alternatives: Monitoring may prevent complications, but doesn't address the growths; hearing aids manage symptoms rather than cause; debridement is non-permanent and may need repetition.
Patient Experience
During Procedure: The patient will be under general anesthesia, so they will not feel any pain or be aware of the procedure.
After Procedure:
- Possible ear pain or discomfort, manageable with prescribed pain relievers.
- Expect temporary hearing changes as swelling reduces.