Operative findings and surgical results for middle ear cholesteatoma in children

Abstract

Operative findings and surgical resuslts were studied in 34 children (36 ears) with middle ear cholesteatoma, including 24 ears with the attic type, 7 with the adhesive type and 5 with the posterior superiorquadrant type. The open method was performed in47%(17ears) of the ears and the closed method in 53%(19ears). The planned staged tympanoplasty was completed in only 2 ears. Cholesteatoma recurredmore frequently in the closed method group than in the open method group (42% vs. 11%). Otherpostoperative complications (such as erosion of the mastoid cavity, otorrhea, perforation of the ear drum) occurred more often in the open method group than the closed method group. However, a postoperativeretraction pocket formed, causing recurrent cholesteatoma after several years in a patient in the closedmethod group. The rate of postoperative hearing improvement was 60% in both groups. Recent surgicalmethods in the literature are also discussed.