Abstract
The surgical results of 136 cases of middle ear cholesteatoma initially operated on in our clinic were studied. The cases were classified into either the attic type or adhesive type of cholesteatoma. The cases were further divided into group 1 or group 2. Group 2 consisted of cases operated on using anterior tympanotomy, a new technique originated in our clinic. In group 2, the rate of recurrence of cholesteatoma was 18% in the attic type and 24% in the adhesive type. The rate of recurrence was 20% with the closed method, 25% with the reconstruction method and 8% with the open method. The recurrent type cholesteatoma occured 3 times more often than the residual type and 80% of them were operated on again within 2 years. All group 2 cases were operated on with the closed method combined with the anterior tympanotomy. The rate of recurrence was 3% in the attic type and 14% in the adhesive type. From the results obtained, the usefulness of anterior tympanotomy in the surgical management of cholesteatoma was evaluated.
