Role of High Resolution Computed Tomography of Mastoids in Planning Surgery for Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) presents with a typical history of recurrent otorrhoea with tympanic membrane perforation. The diagnosis of cholesteatoma is usually made on otologic examination. High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is indicated to evaluate the extension and the complications of cholesteatoma. The aim of the work was to study the role of HRCT in detecting, evaluating diagnosing and managing CSOM. All patients presenting with CSOM who were planned for mastoid exploration surgery in department of ENT, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital within a period of 2 years—from 1st January, 2013 to 31th December, 2014, were taken up for the study. HRCT mastoids done routinely before cholesteatoma surgery, but with improved resolution, to characterize all middle ear structures and complications of the disease prior to surgery, might guide as road map during mastoid explorations for unsafe CSOM. The important role of HRCT lies on the early detection of cholesteatoma, and more conservative surgical procedures can be used to eradicate the disease.