The relevance of topical drugs endaural use in otosurgical practice

Introduction. Preoperative, in particular, antiseptic, preparation of the external auditory canal (EAC) is an important issue for the otosurgeon to take in mind, especially with endaural approach.

The aim of the study is to assess the skin microbiota of the EAC and the effectiveness of antiseptic treatment before endaural intervention.

Materials and methods. A prospective study including 19 patients who underwent ear surgery by endaural approach: 10 stapedoplasty; 9 tympanoplasty. Ear swabs culture were taken from all the patients preoperatively and after removing the tamponade. Of the 10 patients with otosclerosis, 5 underwent skin preparation with 10% povidone iodine and a swab culture.

Results. According to the microbiological examination results, Staphulacoccus Auricularis prevailed in the first smear - 52.6%. In 5 patients with otosclerosis, in comparison to the 1st swab: one case with absence of microorganisms growth, in the other 4 -decrease in the degree of contamination by half. In the 3rd swab, there was no growth in these patients and in the rest, who didn't undergo antiseptic preparation. Patients, without antiseptic preparation of the ear canal, after tympanoplasty (9 patients) in the second smear, had an increase of contamination (from 105 to 106 CFU/ml).

Conclusions. Analysis of the microbiome before and after the operation revealed the growth of predominantly (94.7%) opportunistic microorganisms. Preoperative antiseptic preparation reduces the degree of contamination of the skin, which, in our opinion, prevents complications and improves the healing process.

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