Treatment4 connections · 1 source
Total Ear Canal Ablation
TECA with ventral bulla osteotomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire ear canal and cleans out the tympanic bulla. It is performed for end-stage ear disease that cannot be managed medically.
Key Facts
- Indications: resistant infections, mineralized ear canals, inflammatory polyps, ear canal tumors
- Removes entire ear canal and middle ear structures; ear flap is preserved
- Tympanic bulla must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent chronic drainage
- Pre-surgical CT scan is preferred to assess bullae and plan surgery
- Potential complications: facial nerve paralysis (10-15% permanent), hearing loss, bleeding, chronic drainage
- 5-10% of patients need second surgery for persistent drainage
- Hearing is usually already diminished from chronic disease; some hearing may remain after surgery
- Results often described as miraculous: no more pain, odor, or ear cleaning
- Requires advanced surgical skill; specialist referral may be appropriate
- Species: dogs and cats