Microbial studies of post-operative mastoid cavities

Abstract

Microbial contamination constitute as one of the major factors for post-operative otorrhoea. Sterile discharge was observed in 44.4%, mixed aerobic in 26.8%, anaerobic in 9.9 and mycosis in 19.7% cases during 1st month irrespective of the pre-operative bacterial flora. The mycotic contamination was observed to continue or recur in most of these cases till 2nd month when it cleared rapidly. Anaerobes,.on the other hand, showed rapid clearance in 2nd month and appeared to have been associated with covering and bandaging of ear during this period. Gram-negative organisms, however, continued well beyond 3rd month in many cases inspite of systemic antibiotics. It seems that high concentration of antibiotics in serum does not provide adequate bioavailability at the site of contamination in the ear. The contamination is indirectly proportional to the aural hygiene and post-operative care. No immunological predisposition for otorrhoea could be established in this study.