Canal wall up tympanoplasty for middle ear cholesteatoma in adults: modeling cartilage

Abstract

Objectives: The authors report their experience with a variant cartilage tympanoplasty technique in a canal wall up (CWU) procedure for middle ear cholesteatoma, comparing reliability with other techniques. Functional results are analyzed according to ossicular chain status.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study was performed in adults operated on with CWU tympanoplasty for middle ear cholesteatoma. The surgical technique of "modeling" cartilage is described.

Results: One hundred and nine patients were included (113 procedures). There were four recurrences (3.5%). Mean follow-up was 48 months (range, 24-96 months). In case of normal ossicular chain, postoperative pure-tone average air-bone gap was always less than 20dB, and less than 20dB following myringostapedopexy in 60% of cases with incus destruction.

Conclusion: Modeling cartilage is a reliable reconstruction technique to prevent recurrent cholesteatoma, and contributes to the quality of functional results in ossiculoplasty.