External auditory canal exostoses: long-term surgical satisfaction and its relationship with surgical complications

Abstract

Objective The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether complications related to surgery for exostoses are associated with a decrease in patients’ quality of life. Methods This was a retrospective study for which the following information was collected: sex, age, pre- and post-operative symptoms, pre- and post-operative audiological evaluation results, surgical approach, instruments used, complications, and Glasgow Benefit Inventory score. Results The study included 67 patients (94 ears). The three main complaints reported were wax retention, otitis externa and hearing loss. Surgical complications occurred in 14.9 per cent of patients. Patients experienced a significant benefit from surgery, especially in relation to somatic state, with a global Glasgow Benefit Inventory score of + 44.3. No significant difference was found between the global Glasgow Benefit Inventory changes and surgery-related complications (p = 0.093). Conclusion After surgery for exostoses, the vast majority of patients showed improvement. Complications related to surgery in general do not seem to influence patients’ satisfaction with surgery.