Flexible approach to tympanomastoidectomy.

This article identifies pathologic obstructive sites within the temporal bone germane to the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media. Surgical approaches to the middle ear and mastoid are thoroughly discussed in the context of middle ear and mastoid pathology. Specifically, canal treatment techniques including canalplasty and meatoplasty are detailed in conjunction with middle ear reconstruction in the effort to obtain and maintain a disease free state. Mastoidectomy approaches and techniques, and their relationship to external and middle ear treatment are demonstrated in this article.