Preliminary Observations on the Histopathology of Wet Mastoid Cavities

IN radical and modified radical mastoid operations, some tympanoplasty procedures and in fenestration operations for otosclerosis, a cavity communicating with the external auditory meatus is made in the mastoid temporal bone. In the former procedures this is done to remove infected tissue, while in the latter it affords access to the lateral semi-circular canal. A "wet cavity" is a recognized hazard of these operations despite apparently adequate clearance of cell systems, control of infection and thorough post-operative care. The reason for this persistent discharge in the absence of contraindications for the operations remains obscure,̂ and the present histological investigation of the epithelial lining of wet mastoid cavities outlines the extent of the problem and indicates some of the factors limiting operations designed to obliterate the mastoid segment.