Patterns of middle-ear cholesteatoma and implications for surgical approach

Facial ridge management in canal wall down tympanoplasty for middle-ear cholesteatoma

OBJECTIVE

To estimate whether leaving a high facial ridge during canal wall down tympanoplasty increases the risk of residual cholesteatoma.

METHODS

In this retrospective case review, 321 patients treated with primary canal wall down tympanoplasty for middle-ear cholesteatoma were divided into a completely lowered facial ridge group and a non-completely lowered facial ridge group. Factors affecting facial ridge management, residual disease rate and disease-free survival were analysed.

RESULTS

Residual disease rates were 10.8 per cent in the non-completely lowered facial ridge group and 16.6 per cent in the completely lowered facial ridge group (p = 0.15). Localisation at sinus tympani, mesotympanum or supratubal recess, pre-operative extracranial complications, and destroyed ossicular chain or fixed platina were associated with a completely lowered facial ridge. Residual disease rates and disease-free survival did not significantly differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Facial ridge can be managed according to cholesteatoma extension. The facial ridge can be maintained high if the cholesteatoma does not involve sinus tympani, mesotympanum or supratubal recess, without increasing the risk of residual disease.

[Functional results of surgical treatment of patients with various types of acquired cholesteatoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the long-term functional results of surgical treatment of patients with acquired cholesteatoma, their dependence on the age of patients, the type of cholesteatoma and the type of surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The article presents the results of a dynamic comparison of the functional results of surgical treatment of 332 adults and 104 children with various forms of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma who underwent both closed and open surgical procedures.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in hearing function into two age's groups depending on the type of cholesteatoma acquired. Average air conduction in adult patients for all types of cholesteatoma were ranked within 34.55-44.19 dB, air-bone gaps - 24.14-31.12 dB; in children - 33.72-39.16 dB and 27.33-34.95 dB, respectively. The exception was a group of adult patients with secondary cholesteatoma of the pars tensa. In the postoperative period, in patients of both age groups with all types of cholesteatoma, an improvement in the average values of air conduction by 18-20 dB and a decrease in the average values of the air-bone thresholds by 17-21 dB were noted. Analysis of the results of open surgical interventions showed a somewhat worse functional efficiency on 5-9 dB for air conduction average and 18-20 dB for air-bone gaps, both for adults and children. The stability of the achieved level of auditory function at all stages of postoperative observation was also noted.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of children and adult with all types of acquired cholesteatoma can improve hearing function and achieve stable results when using closed or open types of operations.

Correlation of pre-operative computed tomography, intra-operative findings and surgical outcomes in revision tympanomastoidectomy

OBJECTIVE

To correlate pre-operative computed tomography findings, intra-operative details and surgical outcomes with cholesteatoma recurrence in revision tympanomastoidectomy.

METHODS

This retrospective, non-randomised, single-institution cohort study included 42 patients who underwent pre-operative computed tomography imaging and revision surgery for recurrent chronic otitis media. Twelve disease localisations noted during revision surgery were correlated with pre-operative temporal bone computed tomography scans. A matched pair analysis was performed on patients with similar intra-operative findings, but without pre-operative computed tomography scans.

RESULTS

Pre-operative computed tomography identified 25 out of 31 cholesteatoma recurrences. Computed tomography findings correlated with: recurrent cholesteatoma when attic opacification and ossicular chain involvement were present; and revision surgery type. Sinodural angle disease, posterior canal wall erosion and dehiscent dura were identified as predictors of canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy. Patients with pre-operative computed tomography scans had a higher rate of cholesteatoma recurrence, younger age at diagnosis of recurrent disease, more revision surgical procedures and less time between previous and revision surgical procedures (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pre-operative imaging and intra-operative findings have important clinical implications in revision surgery for chronic otitis media. Performing pre-operative computed tomography increases diagnosis accuracy and reduces the time required to diagnose recurrent disease.