Usefulness of Endoscopic Removal of Congenital Cholesteatoma in Children

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesZZThe use of endoscope has led to new treatment options for middle ear pathologies. The aim of this study is to report on endoscopic ear surgeries for the removal of middle ear cholesteatoma and discuss about the usefulness of endoscopic approach to congenital cholesteatoma in children. Subjects and MethodZZFive pediatric patients with congenital cholesteatoma were enrolled in this study. Cholesteatoma was removed via transcanal endoscopic approach in all patients. Medical records were reviewed retrospectively. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, surgical management and treatment outcomes. ResultsZZThe average age of patients was 3.7 years. Cholesteatoma was observed in the anterior portion of tympanic membrane in four patients, and in the posterior portion in one patient. Endoscopic techniques were used exclusively in four patients, but one patient was treated by microscopic approach using a combined technique. Cholesteatoma was fully removed and we confirmed by endoscopic examination that no remnant lesions remained. Surgical complications such as vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, infection, or bleeding were not seen postoperatively. Average hospital stay was 1.2 days. ConclusionZZResults showed that this technique was beneficial for treating cholesteatoma in limited cases. Endoscopic surgical techniques produced good intraoperative and postoperative results in removing pediatric congenital cholesteatoma and will gain importance in the otological surgery in the future. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2016;59(3):194-201 Key WordsZZCholesteatoma ㆍCongenital ㆍEndoscopic ㆍPediatric ㆍRemoval.