Anterior atticotomy technique in otology: A review article

Techniques used in modern otology have been developed and refined over the years to maximize effectiveness. Mastoidectomy using a posterior approach is favored in chronic otitis media surgery, but we believe that exploration of anterior atticotomy, or the excision of the lateral wall of the attic, would be useful. During atticotomy, the attic is revealed and the opening is then extended to the antrum and mastoid cells. Atticotomy avoids unnecessary procedures, such as a wide extended mastoidectomy and provides better exposure of the sinus tympani, facial recess, and hypotympanum. It avoids the complications involved with Korner’s septum, an anterior sigmoid sinus, and a low-lying dura. In this article, we review indications, techniques, and complications and present the advantages and disadvantages of this technique in detail.

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