Surgical evaluation of cholesteatoma in children

Abstract

This is an analysis of 53 primary cases who underwent surgery for cholesteatoma in children under 15 years of age from 1989 to 1998. The observation period ranged from 1 year to 10 years and 9 months. The rate of recurrence was 20.8% in 53 cases. The success rate in hearing was 78.3% in 46 cases (reoperation cases included). The success rate was calculated based on the following criteria: 1) A-B gap: 15dB, 2) Hearing gain: 15dB, and 3) Hearing level: 30dB The results were considered to be satisfactory if one of the 3 criteria were successfully achieved.(Otology Japan 2000) Staged tympanoplasty was performed for progressive cases. In cases that were selected to undergo staged tympanoplasty, the rate of recurrence was 25.0%, and the success rate for hearing was 75.0%. In addition, in cases that were selected to undergo a one stage operation, the rate of recurrence was 25.0%, and the success rate for hearing was 72.0%. Staged tympanoplasty was thus found to be an effective treatment for progressive cases of cholesteatoma in children.