Canal Wall Down and Up Mastoidectomy

Canal wall down mastoidectomy involves removing the posterior wall of the external auditory canal to allow communication of the mastoid air cells and the external auditory canal. The drawback with canal wall down mastoidectomy is that the need for water restriction and frequent ear wax removal to avoid infection.

Canal wall up mastoidectomy leaves the external auditory canal intact and removes the trabeculated bone of the mastoid. Water restriction is not necessary, but there is a higher incidence of recurrent or residual disease.