Understanding Lateral Wall Resection of the Ear

If your furry friend has been dealing with frequent ear infections, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be for them—and for you! One option that our veterinarians may suggest is a lateral wall resection of the ear. This procedure can make an incredible difference in your pet’s ear health and therefore, their comfort and happiness. 

Let's dive into what this surgery is all about and why it might have been recommended to help your pet.

What is a Lateral Wall Resection of the Ear?

Also known as the Zepp procedure, a lateral wall resection refers to removing the lateral, or ‘outside wall’, of the ear canal. This opens up the ear canal to improve airflow and drainage. This can help reduce the frequency of nasty and persistent infections by making the ear easier to clean and treat.

Your pet’s hearing will not be affected due to this surgery, and they will still maintain their ear flaps. It will only be evident once you move the ear flap, that the ear hole is bigger.

Why Might Your Pet Need This Surgery?

Chronic ear infections can be stubborn and hard to treat with medication alone. If your pet’s infections keep coming back or don’t respond well to treatments, this surgery might be recommended. Common reasons that this procedure is recommended include:

• Ongoing, repeated infections: Painful and smelly ear infections that continue to return, despite medical treatments.
• Correct anatomical deformities: Especially in shar pei’s who are often born with the ear canals sealed shut. 
• Tumour Removal: Opening the ear canal allows for access to otherwise inaccessible growths deep within the ear canal. However, we will first assess whether these can be addressed with a combination of our video otoscope and surgical laser removal. 

How is the Surgery Performed?

Being such a sensitive area, it is important to take particular care to ensure this procedure is as smooth and painless as possible for your pet. Some of the techniques we use include:

1. CO2 Laser Surgery: We use a CO2 laser instead of traditional scalpels, which means less swelling, less bruising, and less pain for your pet. The precision of the laser allows for a cleaner cut and quicker healing. 
2. General and Local Anesthesia: To ensure your pet's comfort, we use both general and local anesthesia. This means that your pet will be asleep during the procedure and wake up with the surgical site already numbed, minimizing discomfort.
3. Post-Surgery Photobiomodulation Therapy: After the surgery, we treat our patients with photobiomodulation laser therapy for three weeks. This advanced treatment helps to accelerate recovery and minimize bruising and swelling. For more details on this therapy, you can refer to the laser manufacturer's information.

What to Expect During Recovery

After the surgery, there are a few important steps to ensure a smooth recovery:

• Medications: Your vet will likely prescribe topical antibiotic-steroid medications to help treat existing infection and reduce inflammation.
• Protective Measures: To keep your pet from scratching their ears and damaging their surgery site, an Elizabethan collar will be needed, typically for 3 weeks. 
• Follow-Up Care: Stitches will need to be removed in about 14 days, and your vet will want to see how well your pet is healing.

Moving Towards Healthier Ears

A lateral wall resection can be a transformative procedure for pets suffering from chronic ear infections. By improving airflow and drainage, this surgery can lead to less discomfort and a more comfortable, healthier ear environment for your pet. With proper care and follow-up, many pets experience significant relief and a better quality of life.

If you’re considering this procedure for your pet, a consultation with your vet will provide you with the guidance you need to make an informed decision.