Abstract
Complete excision of cholesteatoma of the petrous apex is often limited by persistent disease and by involvement of vascular, neural, or intracranial structures. This article presents four patients with giant cholesteatomas, who were successfully treated by permanent exteriorization. The surgical approach used was individualized based on the extent of the disease. Silastic sheeting was used to maintain the path of exteriorization and to provide drainage. An essential part of each patient's care was vigilant postoperative cleaning of the surgical defect. Although incomplete surgical excision is not a usual goal in cholesteatoma surgery, exteriorization can provide a safe and effective treatment in select cases. Complete excision of cholesteatoma of the petrous apex is often limited by persistent disease and by involvement of vascular, neural, or intracranial structures. This article presents four patients with giant cholesteatomas, who were successfully treated by permanent exteriorization. The surgical approach used was individualized based on the extent of the disease. Silastic sheeting was used to maintain the path of exteriorization and to provide drainage. An essential part of each patient's care was vigilant postoperative cleaning of the surgical defect. Although incomplete surgical excision is not a usual goal in cholesteatoma surgery, exteriorization can provide a safe and effective treatment in select cases.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
