treatment of cholesteatomas
Last reviewed 01/2018
- a small pocket of cholesteatoma may be treated via suction toilet under the microscope. This may result in a dry ear.
- initial treatment may include:
(1)
- careful cleaning of the ear
- antibiotics
- ear drops
- however with established cholesteatoma, removal of the diseased area is required and mastoidectomy is almost invariably necessary. Following surgery, the ear should be dry and trouble free, if the ear continues to discharge then a revision procedure should be performed.
- the goals of the surgery are: (1)
- to remove the cholesteatoma and infection
- to achieve an infection-free, dry ear
- preservation or restoration of hearing
- life-long follow up is required as cholesteatomas may recur. Reconstruction of the ossicular chain or a hearing aid may then be considered to restore hearing lost.
- the main risks of mastoid surgery are sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo and facial paralysis.
Refrence: