Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy Research Articles

Predictive Role of Ki-67 and Proliferative-Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) in Recurrent Cholesteatoma.

To investigate the potential use of Ki-67 and pronuclear cell antigen (PCNA) as indicators of recurrent cholesteatoma. Patients who had been diagnosed with cholesteatoma and who had undergone canal wall-down mastoidectomy were included in this study. Subjects were divided into two groups: recurrent and non-recurrent (i.e., cases without recurrence for at least 2 years). Ossicular pathologies were recorded. Histopathologic specimens were stained for Ki-67 and PCNA and the percentages of stained cells were calculated. Neither group demonstrated a significant difference in terms of total Ki-67 per cell, Ki-67-stained cell counts, Ki-67-staining percentages, total PCNA per cell, PCNA-stained cell counts, or PCNA-staining percentages (p>0.05). No significant relationship was noted between the staining percentages for either Ki-67 or PCNA and the incudostapedial involvement (p>0.05); however, a significant relationship was noted between Ki-67 staining and malleus involvement (p<0.05). Although the recurrent and non-recurrent cholesteatoma groups showed no significant differences in terms of the percentages of stained cells for either Ki-67 or PCNA, we detected high Ki-67 staining in the malleus involvement group. We concluded that cell-proliferation markers could not be defined as indicators of recurrence of cholesteatoma, but they could be defined as indicators of destructive patterns of this disease.

Outcomes of Modified Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy and Mastoid Obliteration Using Autologous Materials

ObjectivesThe traditional canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWDM) procedure commonly has potential problems of altering the anatomy and physiology of the middle ear and mastoid. This study evaluated outcomes in patients who underwent modified canal wall down mastoidectomy (mCWDM) and mastoid obliteration using autologous materials.MethodsOur study included 76 patients with chronic otitis media, cholesteatoma, and adhesive otitis who underwent mCWDM and mastoid obliteration using autologous materials between 2010 and 2015. Postoperative hearing airbone gap and complications were evaluated.ResultsDuring the average follow-up of 64 months (range, 20 to 89 months), there was no recurrent or residual cholesteatoma or chronic otitis media. No patient had a cavity problem and anatomic integrity of the posterior canal wall was obtained. There was a significant improvement in hearing with respect to the postoperative air-bone gap (P<0.05). A retroauricular skin depression was a common complication of this technique.ConclusionThe present study suggests that our technique can prevent various complications of the classical CWDM technique using autologous tissues for mastoid cavity obliteration. It is also an appropriate method to obtain adequate volume for safe obliteration.

Application of amniotic membrane for covering mastoid cavity in canal wall down mastoidectomy.

Prevention of granulation tissue formation and acceleration of epithelialization of the mastoid cavity in canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy by use of amniotic membrane (AM) as a biologic dressing. Prospective and randomized study. During CWD mastoidectomy, an inferiorly base musculoperiosteal flap was rotated into the cavity. In order to coverage of this flap, the AM (75 ears) or the temporalis fascia (control group, 73 ears) was used. The times for mastoid cavity epithelialization were compared in both groups. In the AM group, duration of complete epithelialization of the cavity was 41.4 ± 7.7 days, whereas in the control group it was 59.2 ± 9.1 days. Duration of time for complete epithelialization in the AM group was shorter than in the control group, which was significant (P < 0.0001). The use of AM in CWD mastoidectomy is beneficial in minimizing postoperative epithelialization time. 1b Laryngoscope, 129:1453-1457, 2019.

Mastoid Cavity Obliteration with Cartilage Graft; Evaluation of 35 Patients.

Objective:Cartilage is a rigid material that is highly resistant to infection and retraction and is tolerated well by the middle ear. The purpose of this study was to review retrospectively the results of cases of mastoid cavity obliteration with cartilage performed after canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy and to discuss the literature.Method:Of 983 patients who underwent surgery for chronic otitis media between January 2000 and June 2012, 54 patients who underwent CWD mastoidectomy plus mastoid cavity obliteration with cartilage and who were followed up regularly were selected from the database and invited for re-evaluation. All patients who came for a follow up after the invitation were examined and their data were evaluated retrospectively.Results:Thirty-five of the patients who accepted the invitation were included in the study. All of the patients in the study underwent mastoid cavity obliteration with conchal and/or tragal cartilage grafts. The duration of follow up ranged from 21 to 41 months (average, 27.3 months). Epithelization occurred in all patients with dry cavity, except one who had residual cholesteatoma and underwent revision surgery.Conclusion:The results of this study indicate that cartilage can be preferred for obliteration of mastoid cavity after CWD mastoidectomy.

Açık Kavite Mastoidektomi Yapılan Hastalarda Obliterasyon Yapılanlar ile Yapılmayanlar Arasında İyileşme Sonuçlarının Karşılaştırılması

Açık Kavite Mastoidektomi Yapılan Hastalarda Obliterasyon Yapılanlar ile Yapılmayanlar Arasında İyileşme Sonuçlarının Karşılaştırılması

Facial canal dehiscence rate: a retrospective analysis of 372 chronic otitis media cases

This study aimed to investigate the rate and location of facial canal dehiscence (FCD) observed during surgery for chronic otitis media (COM) with or without cholesteatoma. Operative details of 1296 patients who underwent chronic otitis media surgery from January 2000 to January 2017 by the same surgeon were included in this retrospective study focusing on intraoperative observations of FCD. Because of the type of the surgery, the Fallopian canal could not be seen completely, so 924 of the cases which only involved performing a tympanoplasty were not included in the study. A total of 372 patients (196 males and 176 females) who had a canal wall down (CWD) or canal wall up (CWU) mastoidectomy were included in the study. A CWD mastoidectomy was performed on 250 patients, while 122 patients underwent a CWU mastoidectomy. The prevalence of FCD was 11.29% (42/372 patients). The dehiscence was more common in patients with cholesteatoma (n = 37; 88.1%) than those with non-cholesteatoma (n = 5; 11.9%). The tympanic segment (n = 32; 76.19%) was the most common location for FCD. When we compared the ossicular erosion results of the cases that had FCD, erosion in three ossicles together was more statistically significantly frequent than the other possibilities. It is possible to see FCD because of COM, especially with cholesteatoma. FCD is most commonly seen around the oval window. If stapes or all three ossicles are eroded, the surgeons must be more careful regarding FCD to be more effective in preventing facial nerve damage.

Cochlear implantation after canal wall down mastoidectomy — Outcomes after partial mastoid obliteration

ObjectiveTo describe and evaluate the partial mastoid obliteration of the so-called radical mastoid cavity after canal-wall down mastoidectomy (CWD) for cochlear implantation (CI) compared to overclosure of the external ear canal as two stage procedures. MethodsOut of 1020 patients undergoing cochlear implantation between January 1st, 2003 and June 15th, 2016 at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University Hospital Cologne, eight patients underwent obliteration of the radical cavity prior to cochlear implantation. In four additional patients, the external ear canal was overclosed prior to cochlear implantation. ResultsPatients undergoing partial mastoid obliteration (five ♀, 4 left ears) and overclosure of the external ear canal (one ♀, 3 left ears) averaged 56years and 61years, respectively. The radical cavities had been present for 21.8years on average before partial obliteration and for 19.5years before overclosure. Cochlear implantation following mastoid obliteration was performed after a mean period of 5.1months and 3.8months after overclosure. After partial mastoid obliteration, complete insertion of all electrodes was achieved and the clinical courses were uneventful for all patients. Likewise, no patient revealed any complications after overclosure of the external ear canal. ConclusionPartial mastoid obliteration with bone paté and cartilage after canal wall down mastoidectomy can be advocated as a feasible alternative technique that allows for a safe subsequent cochlear implantation.

Cochlear implantation in patients with canal wall down mastoidectomy cavities

Background: Safe cochlear implantation (CI) is challenging in patients with a canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy cavity. Objectives: We reviewed the outcomes of CI and proposed surgical management principles according to the presentation status of CWD mastoidectomy cavity. Material and methods: The cases of eight patients (nine ears) with CWD mastoidectomy cavity who underwent CI were retrospectively reviewed. The basis of the surgical decision, postoperative complications, and postimplant auditory performance were analysed. Results: In seven patients (eight ears), implantation was performed in a single stage; in six ears, the external auditory canal (EAC) was oversewn. In two patients with ossification, the electrode array was inserted into the scala tympani by drilling of the basal turn or in the second turn of the cochlea through a drill-out procedure. Seven patients had a follow-up of 12–50 months and one patient was lost to follow-up. None of the followed-up seven patients suffered complications. Conclusions: CI is safe and effective in patients with profound hearing loss after radical mastoidectomy. In patients with CWD mastoidectomy cavity, CI does not cause a higher rate of postoperative complications relative to standard CI procedures. The outcome is excellent and comparable to that in the general CI population.

The Efficacy of Mastoid Cavity Obliteration by Conchal Cartilage in Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy

CWD (canal wall down) mastoidectomy is considered the best method to treat chronically discharging ear. This technique shows its efficacy in eradicating the disease process from the middle ear cavity. However, it contributes to the formation of a large cavity, which causes several problems. To get rid of these problems, mastoid obliteration is done.

Cause analysis of non dry ear after canal wall down mastoidectomy

Objective:To investigate the possible causes of non dry ear after canal wall down mastoidectomy(CWD).Method:Clinical data of 42 patients undergoing revision CWD in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively,which included history,symptoms,signs,audiological examination,imaging examination, intraoperative findings and postoperative follow-up.All patients underwent CWD and tympanoplasty under general anesthesia.Result:Twenty-six cases were insufficient opened of sinodural angle,36 cases remained mastoid air cell(9 cases is mastoid tip air cell remained),13 cases were inadequate exposured of anterior epitympanic recess, 23 cases were inadequate exposured of posterior tympanum, 25 cases had high facial ridge, posterior facial nerve and labyrinth air cell were 5 cases,3 cases had granulation in round window, 5 cases had dysfunctional eustachian tube, 32 cases had narrow external acoustic meatus. During 3 months,6 months and 1 year follow-up, all 42 cases patients under revision CWD presented with dry ears.Conclusion:Insufficient opened of sinodural angle and mastoid air cell,inadequate exposured of anterior epitympanic recess and posterior tympanum, high facial ridge, narrow external acoustic meatus are all the possible causes of no-dry ear after CWD; As the location of concealment, posterior facial nerve and labyrinth air cell are difficult to clean. The dressing cavity do not be cleaned in time after operation is also the underlying cause of postoperative non-dry ear.

Relook on Mastoid Cavity Obliteration: A Prospective Study.

Canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy is the operation of choice for unsafe variety of chronic otitis media. But open mastoid cavity poses many problems. The solution of these problems is obliteration of mastoid cavity that is self-cleaning and easily maintained. In our study we aim to establish the effective technique for mastoid cavity obliteration in CWD mastoidectomy and review its efficacy in producing a dry, low maintenance cavity. This was a non-randomized longitudinal prospective study, performed over 2½years in the department of ENT in a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata. Patients of chronic otitis media unsafe variety within the age group of 16-60years were included in our study. Chronic otitis media unsafe variety with intratemporal or intracranial complications, and extensive cholesteatoma or granulation tissue that can't be cleared completely during operation were excluded. There was no statistical significance for hearing improvement between CWD mastoidectomy without obliteration and CWD mastoidectomy with obliteration. There was significant statistical significance for obliteration of cavity, epithelized cavity and dry cavity between CWD mastoidectomy without obliteration and CWD mastoidectomy with obliteration. Persistent discharge and granulation were significantly more in non-obliterated group. The time taken by the ear to become dry is much shorter after mastoid cavity obliteration. Moreover, lifelong aural toilet and dependence on an ENT surgeon is avoided. Inspite of all these, a few pre-conditions must be fulfilled before embarking on this type of surgery.

Single Stage Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy with Reconstruction of the Canal Wall: 5 Years' Experience in Fayoum Province, Egypt.

Removing the posterior canal wall or canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWDM) for the management of cholesteatoma remains controversial. We advocate partial removal of the posterior canal wall for complete eradication, followed by canal wall defect reconstruction to restore the normal anatomy and avoid the complications of CWDM. Sixty-four patients with cholesteatoma (71 ears) were included. This study was conducted between 2009 and 2012. Single-stage mastoidectomy was performed by drilling the upper third of the posterior canal wall together with the attic, leaving the remaining lower two-thirds intact. Conchal cartilage was used to reconstruct the upper third of the posterior canal wall. The mean±SD healing time was 7.5±2.3 (range, 4-14) weeks. The mean±SD preoperative and postoperative air bone gaps were 35.8±6.2 dB and 22.9±6.8 dB, respectively. Nearly 84.2% of the patients were followed up for at least 3 years and had dry healthy ears. Complications were noted and statistically examined. Single-stage CWDM with reconstruction of the posterior canal wall, ossicular chain, and tympanic membrane is a safe and reliable technique with the advantages of Canal wall up Mastoidectomy (CWUM). Its recurrence rate is 4.2%. Longer follow-up durations are required.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Reconstruction of Posterior Meatal Wall after Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy.

Introduction Canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy has many drawbacks, including chronic otorrhea not responding to medications, granulations, dizziness on exposure to cold or hot water, and tendency of debris accumulation in the mastoid cavity, demanding periodic cleaning. Many of these problems can be solved by reconstruction of the posterior meatal wall (PMW). Objectives To assess the results of PMW reconstruction after CWD mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma using titanium mesh and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) mixed with bone pate. Methods This study was conducted with 20 patients that have atticoantral chronic suppurative otitis media. All cases were subjected to CWD mastoid surgery with complete elimination of the disease and reconstruction of the PMW by titanium mesh and the mixture of PRP with bone pate. All patients were exposed to a full preoperative evaluation and full postoperative assessment of the complications, the appearance of the external auditory canal contour, and the hearing gain expressed by the change of the air bone gap postoperatively. Results The PMW reconstructed by titanium mesh and the mixture of PRP with bone pate showed a smooth contour. During the follow-up of 12 to 36 months, the postoperative appearance of the external auditory canal contour was found to be smooth without hidden pouches, irregularities or stenosis in all cases. No granulation, foreign body reaction, or extrusion and/or displacement of the titanium mesh were registered. No facial palsy or recurrent cholesteatoma was reported. Conclusion The surgical reconstruction of the PMW using PRP, bone pate and titanium mesh after CWD mastoidectomy appears to be reliable without considerable complications, giving a smooth appearance to the PMW.

Recidivous cholesteatoma: DWI MR after canal wall up and canal wall down mastoidectomy.

To investigate the correlation between preoperative non-echo planar diffusion-weighted (non-EPI DWI) MR imaging with surgical findings of recidivous middle ear cholesteatoma after canal wall up (CWU) and canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy. The detection of recidive cholesteatoma after CWU and after CWD procedures, when the trepanation cavity is spontaneously closed by soft tissue, is possible by second-look and revision surgery. However, many cases prove to be negative of the disease. To avoid unnecessary operational risks we adopted a novel imaging method to evaluate its potential in the detection of recidivous cholesteatoma. The prospective study included 27 cases. Fifteen cases were revised after CWD and 12 cases were second-look surgeries after CWU procedures. All patients underwent the MR protocol: T2-weighted, T1-weighted and non-EPI DWI. The finding on MR correlated with peroperative presence of cholesteatoma. Non-EPI DWI sequence showed an increased signal intensity in 16/27 (59 %) cases. This correlated with surgical findings in all 7 patients after CWU and in 8 patients after CWD. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of non-EPI DWI were 83.3 %, 88.8 %, 93.8 % and 72.7 %, respectively. DWI presented a sensitivity of 100 % and specificity of 85.7 % in the subgroup of patients after CWD mastoidectomy. Residual and/or recurrent cholesteatoma can be accurately detected by DWI MR. It can be used as a screening method to select patients, who are indicated to second-look or revision surgery after CWU and CWD mastoidectomy (Tab. 1, Fig. 3, Ref. 49).

Our surgical treatment results in pediatric cholesteatoma

This study aims to evaluate surgical techniques and obtained outcomes in pediatric cholesteatoma. A total of 62 patients (41 males, 21 females; mean age 13 years; range 3 to 17 years) diagnosed as pediatric cholesteatoma between January 1998 and December 2014 were enrolled into the study. Of the patients, canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy was performed in 31, canal wall up (CWU) mastoidectomy in 13, inside-out (ISO) mastoidectomy in eight, and tympanoplasty in 10. Surgical approaches, staging, hearing outcomes, relapse status, and surgical data were retrospectively analyzed. Cholesteatoma recurred in seven patients (11%). Recurrence rates for CWU and CWD mastoidectomies were 31% and 6%, respectively. While the number of patients with good serviceable hearing (pure-tone average ≥25 dB) was 10 preoperatively, it became 16 postoperatively. Ossicular erosion was higher in CWD group. Twenty-nine patients (47%) had extensive disease and CWD mastoidectomy was performed in 86% of these. Number of patients not requiring care was 45 (72.6%). In this study, we observed no differences in terms of good serviceable hearing between CWU and CWD mastoidectomies. The preferred method was mainly CWD in patients with extensive disease and ossicular erosion. Recurrence rates were higher in CWU group. Therefore, ISO or CWD mastoidectomy come to the forefront as appropriate treatment options in the treatment of pediatric cholesteatomas according to the extensiveness of disease.

Hearing outcomes after suppurative chronic otitis media surgery.

This study aims to compare the hearing outcomes after canal wall up mastoidectomy (CWUM) and canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWDM). Ninety-two patients (74 males, 18 females; mean age 30.1 years; range 9 to 67 years) who were diagnosed with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) between January 2009 and May 2011 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Based on hospital data, patients were separated into two groups as having mucosal or squamous disease. Patients were also categorized into two groups based on the type of mastoidectomy: CWUM (n=51) and CWDM (n=41). Hearing results between the groups were evaluated using the air-bone gap (ABG) recorded by audiogram before surgery and at three months after ossiculoplasty. Relationship between obtained hearing results and performed ossiculoplasty techniques were also discussed. We were able to perform ossiculoplasty in 42.3% (n=39) of patients diagnosed with CSOM. Presurgical ABG in CWUM and CWDM groups were 35.38±10.82 dB and 37.92±5.80 dB, respectively. Postsurgical ABG value was ≤20 dB in 27% of CWUM patients and 7.7% of CWDM patients. Mean hearing gain of patients with active squamous disease was 3.8 dB in CWUM group and 11.9 dB in CWDM group (p<0.5). The pathology affecting the middle ear had influence on the hearing results of the two groups. Canal wall down mastoidectomy may be a beneficial procedure to improve hearing in patients with CSOM.

The value of otoendoscopy in the management of middle ear cholesteatoma.

Background:The surgical management of cholesteatoma is a controversial issue, particularly regarding intact-canal-wall mastoidectomy (ICWM) versus canal-wall-down mastoidectomy (CWDM). The current experiment compared the quality of visualization in different middle ear structures using ICWM with otoendoscopy with findings of CWDM by microscopy.Materials and Methods:The patients diagnosed with cholesteatoma underwent tympanomastoidectomy, and then the patients selected for CWDM were included in the study (25 patients: 11 females and 14 males). After removing the cholesteatoma from the involved areas, otoendoscopic examination was done with a 4 mm, 0° endoscope by a neurootologist. All five middle ear structures (lateral epitympanum, sinus tympani, posterior crus of the stapes, round window niche, and Eustachian tube orifice) suspected of occult cholesteatoma were evaluated in terms of having or lacking the pathology. Then, CWDM was performed and all of the mentioned sites were reevaluated for diagnosing occult cholesteatoma.Results:The symmetric measures were 73%, 92%, 63%, 81%, and 100% for lateral epitympanum, sinus tympani, posterior crus of the stapes, round window niche, and Eustachian tube orifice, respectively.Conclusion:Otoendoscopy was confirmed to have a great potential to be adopted by surgeons as a less invasive procedure in the surgical management of middle ear cholesteatoma.

Effectiveness of MESNA on the success of cholesteatoma surgery

ImportanceIt is important that chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma be treated successfully in patients to protect them from having repeated surgeries with related surgical co-morbidities and hearing loss. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of MESNA usage on the residual cholesteatoma rates of the patients who underwent surgery due to chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma. DesignRetrospective single-institution study of a prospectively collected database. SettingTertiary University Hospital. ParticipantsNine hundred and thirty-four patients underwent surgery due to chronic otitis media between September 2000 and March 2012 by the same surgeon. One hundred and forty-one cases out of 934 patients were selected who had cholesteatoma for the study. These randomly selected 141 cases were divided into two groups as follows: I. Forty-six cases were applied MESNA (Sodium 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) intraoperatively, and II. Ninety-five cases were not applied MESNA intraoperatively. The cases that were followed-up at least one year were included in this study. InterventionMESNA (Ureomitexan, MESNA, Baxter oncology, Germany) was diluted with saline (20% MESNA and 80% saline) that was applied, and then a waiting period of approximately 5min followed to start to dissect cholesteatoma matrix. Main outcomes and measuresResidual cholesteatoma rates between intraoperative MESNA, a disulfide bond breaking chemical agent, applied and MESNA non-applied cases in the postoperative follow-up period were compared for the success of the surgery. ResultsMESNA was used in 46 patients out of 141 cases intraoperatively. Twenty-four of these patients underwent CWD (canal wall down), and twenty-two patients underwent CWU (canal wall up) mastoidectomy. For the other 95 subjects, 56 patients with CWD and 39 with CWU mastoidectomy, MESNA was not applied. Residual cholesteatoma rates were found to be significantly higher in MESNA non-applied group than MESNA applied group (p<0.05). Residual cholesteatoma rates between CWD and CWU mastoidectomy procedures were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions and relevanceMESNA application that breaks disulfide bonds in the structure of the matrix in cholesteatoma surgery may assist the elimination of the disease, and increase surgical success by facilitating the elevation of the epithelium. Thereby, it causes a decrease in the possibility of remaining residual epithelium after surgery, which decreases the need for second-look surgery. Trial registrationThe retrospective research protocol was approved by the Inonu University Clinical Research Ethics Committee. Registration number:………

Alternative to Canal Wall–Down Mastoidectomy for Sclerotic Mastoid Cavities

Surgical procedures for chronic ear disease can be grossly divided into two tympanoplasty procedures: canal wall-up and canal wall-down (CWD) mastoidectomies. The choice depends on the surgeon's preference. Epitympanoplasty with mastoid obliteration (EMO) has shown postoperative results similar to those of CWD mastoidectomy with long-term follow-up. In this study, we compared the outcomes of EMO and CWD mastoidectomy in preoperatively sclerotic mastoid cavities with cholesteatoma, chronic otitis media with poor eustachian tube function, or adhesive otitis media. The operations were performed by the same surgeons in order to eliminate any effect of surgeon preference on the surgical outcomes. We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent tympanoplasty with EMO (EMO group) or CWD mastoidectomy (CWD group) and followed them for more than 28 months. The postoperative outcomes were analyzed and compared. The EMO and CWD groups comprised 132 and 110 ears, respectively. In both groups, the air-bone gaps were significantly reduced after operation. The relapse rates of the groups were similar. Cavity problems were the most common complication in the CWD group. The overall complication rate in the EMO group was significantly lower than that in the CWD group (p = 0.044). Epitympanoplasty with mastoid obliteration can be considered an alternative procedure to CWD mastoidectomy in patients with preoperatively sclerotic mastoid cavities. It gives similar surgical results and has fewer complications.

Extensive intratemporal cholesteatomas: presentation, complications and surgical outcomes

The purpose of the study was to review the clinical features, complications, surgical management and post-operative outcomes of medially invasive extensive cholesteatomas and intracranial complications of cholesteatoma. The retrospective review was carried out at a tertiary referral center and included 20 patients presenting with extensive intratemporal cholesteatomas between 2011 and 2013. Inclusion criteria were involvement of the labyrinth, facial nerve, posterior fossa dura and intracranial complications. The mean age of the patients was 20 years. Profuse foul-smelling otorrhoea and severe otalgia/temporal headache were the most common presenting features. Intracranial complications were observed in nine patients, most commonly temporal lobe abscess; 14/20 patients exhibited profound hearing loss. One case exhibited massive labyrinthine petrous apex cholesteatoma. Labyrinthine destruction was seen in all cases of facial nerve involvement. Management of intracranial complications preceded canal wall-down mastoidectomy with or without partial labyrinthectomy and subtotal petrosectomy (transotic) with blind sac closure for petrous cholesteatoma. Facial nerve infiltration was observed in one case, whereas eight cases exhibited gross dehiscence of the fallopian canal. Disease clearance was complete in all cases with two mortalities in patients with intracranial complications. Post-operative course was uncomplicated in all other patients apart from a case of wound dehiscence. All patients remain disease free after a minimum and maximum follow-up of 6 months and 2 years, respectively. Extensive intratemporal cholesteatomas and intracranial complications caused by them continue to pose a challenge to the management of otitis media in the current era and merit early recognition, surgical management and follow-up.