Canalplasty
Canalplasty is a specialized surgical procedure performed by ENT surgeons to widen or reconstruct the external auditory canal (ear canal). It is commonly recommended for patients with ear canal stenosis, exostosis (surfer’s ear), chronic infections, or obstructive growths that block sound transmission and cause hearing issues.
The procedure involves carefully removing excess bone or tissue, reshaping the ear canal, and sometimes placing skin grafts to maintain a healthy, open canal. Canalplasty is usually done under general or local anesthesia depending on complexity and patient factors.
This surgery helps restore proper ear ventilation, reduces recurrent infections, improves hearing, and enhances ear hygiene. Recovery is generally gradual, with ear packing and follow-up visits required to ensure optimal healing and prevent restenosis or complications.
What is Canalplasty?
Understanding the procedure
Canalplasty is a reconstructive ear surgery designed to widen and reshape the external auditory canal. It is typically performed when the ear canal becomes narrowed due to congenital abnormalities, chronic inflammation, repeated infections, trauma, or bony growths such as exostoses or osteomas. A narrowed canal traps debris and moisture, leading to recurrent infections and conductive hearing loss. By surgically widening the canal, the procedure restores normal ear anatomy and function, allowing sound to travel more effectively and reducing the risk of chronic ear problems.
- Indications Ear canal stenosis, exostosis, chronic otitis externa, recurrent ear infections, and hearing loss due to canal obstruction.
- Surgical Approach Removal of excess bone or soft tissue using microscopic instruments and drills, followed by reshaping of the ear canal walls.
- Anesthesia Performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the extent of surgery and patient comfort.
- Adjunct Procedures May be combined with tympanoplasty or skin grafting to ensure proper healing and canal lining restoration.
Benefits of Canalplasty
Why this surgery is recommended
Canalplasty offers both functional and preventive benefits. By opening the ear canal, it improves sound conduction and reduces moisture retention, which is a key factor in chronic infections. Patients often experience fewer infections, better hearing clarity, and improved quality of life. The procedure also helps ENT specialists better visualize the eardrum during future examinations or treatments.
- Hearing Improvement Restores sound conduction by removing obstructions and widening the canal.
- Reduced Infections Improves ear ventilation and drainage, lowering the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.
- Better Ear Hygiene Allows easier cleaning and prevents wax and debris buildup.
- Long-Term Relief Prevents progression of canal narrowing and associated complications.
Recovery and Aftercare
What patients should expect
Recovery after canalplasty requires careful ear protection and follow-up visits. The ear canal is usually packed with dressing material that is removed after a few days to weeks. Patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or temporary hearing changes during healing. Proper aftercare significantly reduces the risk of restenosis or infection and ensures long-term surgical success.
- Initial Healing Ear packing and bandages are typically kept in place for 1–2 weeks depending on healing progress.
- Medications Antibiotic ear drops and pain medications are prescribed to prevent infection and manage discomfort.
- Activity Restrictions Avoid water entry into the ear, heavy lifting, and swimming until cleared by the surgeon.
- Follow-Up Visits Regular ENT check-ups are essential to monitor healing and prevent scar tissue formation.
Why Choose CureU Healthcare
Patient-centered ENT surgical care
CureU Healthcare provides comprehensive ENT surgical services with a patient-first approach. Our ENT specialists are highly trained in advanced ear surgeries, including canalplasty, using modern microscopic and endoscopic techniques. We focus on precise surgical outcomes, minimal discomfort, and personalized recovery plans. Patients benefit from transparent consultations, evidence-based treatment protocols, and coordinated postoperative care that ensures safe and effective healing. Our multidisciplinary team prioritizes hearing preservation, infection prevention, and long-term ear health, delivering outcomes aligned with international ENT care standards.
- Experienced ENT Surgeons Highly skilled specialists with extensive experience in ear reconstructive surgeries.
- Advanced Surgical Technology Use of high-precision microscopes, drills, and minimally invasive techniques for optimal outcomes.
- Personalized Treatment Plans Tailored care plans based on patient anatomy, symptoms, and lifestyle factors.
- Comprehensive Aftercare Structured follow-up protocols, rehabilitation guidance, and hearing assessment support.
Conclusion
Canalplasty is a highly effective surgical solution for patients with narrowed or obstructed ear canals. By restoring normal ear canal anatomy, it significantly improves hearing, reduces infections, and enhances overall ear health. With proper surgical technique and diligent aftercare, long-term outcomes are excellent, and most patients experience lasting symptom relief. Choosing a specialized ENT center like CureU Healthcare ensures expert evaluation, precise surgery, and patient-centered recovery, making canalplasty a safe and transformative procedure for individuals suffering from chronic ear canal problems.
