Benefits of endoscopic second-look surgery following cholesteatoma of the tympanic cavity

Introduction The importance of endoscopic ear surgery for minimally invasive surgical intervention of the lateral skull-base is increasing.

Methods We conducted a single-centre retrospective study of all patients who during the previous two years received endoscopic second-look surgery in our clinic following cholesteatoma of the tympanic cavity.

Results 21 patients (13 men, 8 women) were included. In 14 cases the cholesteatoma was primarily restricted to the tympanic cavity, in 7 cases parts of the cholesteatoma extended to the mastoid process. In 5 of the 21 patients, a recurrence of cholesteatoma was seen in the retrotympanon, which could be removed endoscopically. In 8 cases, replacement of the middle-ear prosthesis was also necessary. Microscopy was used supplementary to endoscopy in only 2 cases.

Conclusion The endoscopic technique lends itself very well to second-look surgery, particularly following cholesteatoma of the tympanic cavity. Firstly, anatomical regions such as the retrotympanon, the hypotympanon and tympanic sinus, which are difficult to see with the microscope, can be visualized endoscopically. Small recurrent cholesteatomas can be removed, and prostheses can be replaced. Furthermore, intraoperative trauma to soft tissue is reduced using the endoscopic technique, and the duration of surgery is reduced.

Poster-PDF A-1315.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020