Snake Eye

Question: An 11 year old undergoes tympanomastoidectomy for an epitympanic cholesteatoma. During the mastoidectomy, the lateral semicircular canal is inadvertently fenestrated with the drill. Which of the following is the best next step in management?

a) Convert to a canal wall down procedure

b) Reconstruct the labyrinthotomy

c) Plug the opened canal with bone wax

d) Perform a subtotal petrosectomy with ear canal closure in preparation for future cochlear implantation

[Answer will be posted with next week's new question]

Answer to last week's question, “Puffy Feeling” (Aug 1, 2022)

A - The presence of GI symptoms is consistent with anaphylaxis.