The MO-meatocanalplasty: a modification of the M-meatoplasty to address the superior quadrants and the bony canal

The meatoplasty of the external auditory canal is a frequently performed otologic procedure in recurrent otitis externa, eczema or frequent accumulation of cerumen due to a narrow meatus of the external ear canal. Numerous surgical techniques have been described. The M-meatoplasty described by Mirck for addressing the external meatus is widely used. However, this technique does not sufficiently enlarge the external ear canal in all cases. Specifically in patients where the ear canal narrowing is most prominent in the postero- and/or anterosuperior quadrants of the lateral meatus the technique needs some modifications. In these cases, an oblique conversion of the M-meatoplasty, the MO-meatocanalplasty, is useful. In cases where the bony canal is also narrow this modification allows for a bony canalplasty while avoiding a retro-auricular approach. The MO-meatocanalplasty can be used in combination with myringoplasty and tympanoplasty.