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Innovation, Excellence and Pragmatism: The Challenges in the management of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in Aboriginal people of Northern Australia

Presenting Author: Hemi Patel

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 June 2016

Hemi Patel ,
Graeme Crossland  and
Rohana O'Connell
Hemi Patel
Affiliation:
Royal Darwin Hospital
Graeme Crossland
Affiliation:
Royal Darwin Hospital
Rohana O'Connell
Affiliation:
Royal Darwin Hospital
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Abstract

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Learning Objectives:

  • • The prevalence of Otitis Media in Aboriginal people, and the reasons for it.

  • • The Surgical and non Surgical challenges of Managing Otitis Media in Aboriginal people.

  • • Historical Data on Surgical interventions in Aboriginal Ear disease.

Introduction: Aboriginal people of northern Australia have the highest rates of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media globally, and of pandemic proportions, yet good evidence to guide our treatment in this population is limited. We present the challenges, some innovative solutions, and our experience.

Methods: Prospective cohort study.

Results: We present 5 years of prospectively collected data pertaining to Tympanoplasty, Mastoid surgery and TeleOtology in Aboriginal patients of the Northern Territory of Australia.

Conclusion: Tympano-mastoid surgery in Aboriginal Australians can achieve similar outcomes (intact graft, recurrence rates, hearing) to traditionally studied cohorts. We emphasise the importance of close pre and post operative follow up, and a standardised intraoperative technique applicable to the unique challenges of the Aboriginal Ear.