External ear canal exostectomy: influence of surgeon’s experience on 3-years recurrence and occurrence of complications

Abstract

Background: External ear canal exostoses are usually bilateral and broad-based, secondary to external ear canal chronic cold exposure, especially water. Objectives: The objectives were to analyze the influence of the surgeon’s experience on the 3-year recurrence and on the complication. We also studied the influence of prolonged exposure to cold water on the incidence of recurrence. Material and Methods: This monocentric retrospective study included 98 ears operated for canalplasty between 2009 and 2016 by nine different operators including one senior, a junior, and seven beginner surgeons. Senior, Junior, and Beginner groups were compared. Results: 3-year recurrence rate was higher in the Beginner and Junior groups than in the Senior group (69% and 38% vs 18%, P =.001). Although there was a difference between the Beginner (69%) and Junior (38%) groups, it was not significant (P =.407). Among the recurrences, 48% had continued exposure to cold water while only 7% of the ears without recidivism were still exposed (P