Learning Objectives: To evaluate the outcomes of open tympanoplasties (canal wall down mastoidectomies) for cholesteatomas.
Study Design: Retrospective study.
Setting: Gruppo Otologico, a quarternary referral center for Otology and Skull Base Surgery in Italy.
Methods: 1324 cases with a minimum of 2-years follow-up that were operated for middle ear and mastoid cholesteatoma using the open technique were included in the study. The outcomes of were analyzed and the results were compared with a literature review.
Results: The mean follow up was 46.43 months. The mean pre-operative air bone gap was 37 ± 7 dB. Simultaneous ossicular reconstruction was performed in 32% of the cases. A second stage reconstruction was perfomed in 42% of the cases. Recurrent cholesteatomas were seen in 6% of cases in our series. 1% patients developed stenosis of the meatoplasty. Postoperative ear discharge was observed in 4% cases.
Conclusion: The open (canal wall down) technique is a tried and tested procedure in recurrent and large cholesteatoma with considerable pre-operative hearing loss.
