Mastoid obliteration in intact canal wall mastoidectomy.

Long-term results following intact canal wall mastoidectomy with cavity obliteration were compared with those following similar operations leaving the mastoid cavity as an 'air reservoir'. The incidence of adhesive eardrums was the same (12%) in both groups. In other respects, the obliteration technique gave slightly better results than the 'air reservoir' technique. Cavity obliteration is recommended in intact canal wall mastoidectomy.