Otomy is a medical term used to describe the surgical procedure of opening the external auditory canal. It is commonly used to treat several ear diseases, including chronic ear infections, impacted earwax, and cholesteatoma. This procedure is typically performed by an otolaryngologist, commonly referred to as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
The primary purpose of otomy is to remove an obstruction from the external auditory canal that is blocking sound transmission from the ear to the eardrum. This obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors, such as impacted earwax, a cholesteatoma, a foreign body, or other conditions. Additionally, otomy can be used to diagnose and treat ear diseases, such as chronic ear infections, or to perform other procedures such as tympanoplasty, which is the surgical repair of a damaged eardrum.
The otomy procedure typically begins with the patient lying on their side, and the doctor examining the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope or microscopic camera. If an obstruction is identified, the doctor will use specialized instruments to remove it. In the case of impacted earwax, the doctor may use a cerumen spoon, curette, or suction device to remove the wax. If a cholesteatoma is present, the doctor may use a chisel and curette to remove the growth.
Once the obstruction is removed, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the underlying condition. The patient may also be given instructions for cleaning the ear canal and using ear drops at home.
In general, otomy is a safe procedure with few risks associated with it. However, some complications can occur, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to the eardrum or ear canal. Additionally, if the obstruction is not completely removed, the patient may experience ongoing symptoms.
Overall, otomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure that can be used to treat a variety of ear diseases and conditions. It is typically performed by an otolaryngologist, with few risks associated with it.
References
Bhattacharyya, N., & Bhatia, A. (2014). Otomy: The Basics. The American Journal of Otolaryngology, 35(2), 153–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjoto.2013.09.011
Cha, J. S., & Bhattacharyya, N. (2009). Clinical Practice. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 42(2), 339–357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otc.2009.01.003
Souza, S. J. de, & de Souza, D. J. (2011). Otomy and Otoscopy. In Surgical Techniques in Otorhinolaryngology (pp. 45–62). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-0914-3_4