title: A systematic approach to interpretation of computed tomography scans prior to surgery of middle ear cholesteatoma.
abstract: The foundation of mastoid surgery for cholesteatoma has traditionally been a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and familiarity with landmarks, constant alertness to detect unsuspected complications and the experience to tailor the surgery to the pathology encountered. Whilst not indispensable, computed tomography (CT) scanning is a useful adjunct whose potential predictive value is only truly appreciated by skilled interpretation. We present a guide to analysis to maximize the value of pre-operative radiology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, North Riding Infirmary, Middlesbrough, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Watts
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Flood
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Clifford
mesh_terms: D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008416:Mastoid / Q000601:surgery*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*