Endoscopic management of acquired cholesteatoma.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to describe and evaluate endoscopic technique for treatment of acquired cholesteatoma.


METHODS
This study was a case series.


METHODS
The study was performed in a private otolaryngology practice.


METHODS
Thirty-eight adult patients with acquired cholesteatoma and no previous ear surgery composed the patient population.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients underwent transcanal endoscopic tympanotomy and extended atticotomy with removal of the cholesteatoma sac; the attic defect was reconstructed in 25 patients and was packed open in 11 patients. Two patients underwent traditional postauricular procedures.


METHODS
The main outcome measure was disease-free ears as evident on: 1) clinical examination at 1 year follow-up for 30 patients and at 2 years for 13 patients; and 2) surgical exploration in 6 patients at 2 years.


RESULTS
There were no significant complications associated with the 36 endoscopic procedures: 29 of 30 patients were disease free at 1 year, 10 of 13 were disease free on clinical examination at 2 years, and 4 of 6 were disease free on surgical exploration at 2 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Early results indicate that endoscopic removal of cholesteatoma offers a safe and effective transcanal alternative to postauricular procedures.
Tarabichi
M
M
Section of Otolaryngology, American Hospital-Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002781:Cholesteatoma / Q000601:surgery*; D004429:Ear Ossicles / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009998:Ossicular Prosthesis; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000601:surgery*