ABSTRACT
Otomy costs is not uncommon clinical problem requiring a long term treatment and has a recurrence tendency. Meticulous cleansing especially of anterior metal recess is the treatment mainstay. The aim of this work is to determine the clinical presentation and predisposing factors, compare the efficacy of aural toileting procedures and to assess the syringing role as a safe effective procedure for deep meatal recess debris removal. A randomized prospective comparative study conducted on 91 patients [99 ears] in ENT consultation clinic- Sulaimani Teaching Hospital from April 2007 till November 2008. Patients were divided into two groups: group A underwent ear syringing and group B underwent dry suction cleansing. Data entry and analysis carried out by [Statgraphics] software version 15 [2008]. Presenting symptoms were otalgia [94.5%], ear fullness [74.72%], itching [58.24%], hearing impairment [40.65%], otorrhea [20.87%] and headache [14.82%]. Predisposing factors were ear moisture [94.5%], self cleansing habit [62.63%], ototopical agent overuse [36.26%] and dermatophytosis [19.78%]. Dry cleaning showed complete debris removal in 31 [63.26%] ears and incomplete removal in 18 [36.73%] ears while syringing showed complete removal in 38 [76%] ears and incomplete removal in 12 [24%] ears. Dry cleaning adverse effect was 37.37% compared to 12.12% in wet group. There was insignificant statistical differences [Chi-squared, p=0.3411] between the two regimens and both can be used for treatment. However, clinically gentle ear syringing is less time consuming, less complicated and more meticulous in deep recess cleaning