Abstract
Cholesteatoma usually recurs and therefore requires a long follow-up period after surgical treatment. However, the optimal period for follow-up is still debatable. Here, we report on two cases in which the patients had each undergone an operation for treating middle ear cholesteatoma several decades earlier in different hospitals, but had been lost to follow-up after the operation. The first patient presented with ear discharge and dizziness, and the second had no symptoms. However, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings indicated a recurrence of cholesteatoma. During the first patient's surgery, the tympanic cavity was found to be filled with the cholesteatoma. The surrounding granulation tissue extended to the anterior and lateral semicircular canal ampullae. In the second patient, the mastoid cavity was filled with the cholesteatoma, and a fistula was observed on the lateral semicircular canal. Care should be taken to monitor possible recurrences even in asymptomatic patients who have a history of surgery for cholesteatoma. Patient education and access to clinical records are considered necessary for optimal follow-up care. If recurrent cholesteatoma is strongly suspected, revision surgery should be considered.
