title: The retraction pocket in the treatment of cholesteatoma.
abstract: Residual and especially recurrent disease was observed in 124 consecutive patients who had operations for cholesteatomas, with the finding of continuing problems in at least 23% of these patients. Surgical therapy based on the goals of extirpation of the "pseudoneoplasm" of cholesteatoma, restoration of health and function, and prevention of recurrence is the ideal. Results of "single-barreled" regimens do not yet meet these goals. A compromise surgical management regimen is offered. Etiologic implications of the retraction pocket phenomenon are explored and a testable hypothesis offered.
mesh_terms: D002781:Cholesteatoma / Q000601:surgery*; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008416:Mastoid / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation