Hearing reconstruction and conservative treatment in cholesteatoma

THE CONTEXT

Hearing reconstruction may accompany cholesteatoma surgery, while conservative treatment has a limited role in selected patients.

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Myringoplasty or tympanoplasty can restore hearing. Reconstruction may be performed during primary surgery or as a second stage procedure.

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Conservative treatment may be tried when cholesteatoma is small and easily accessible to suction clearance under an operating microscope.

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It may also be tried in patients above 65 years, patients unfit for general anaesthesia, or those refusing surgery.

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Repeated suction clearance and periodic checkups are essential.

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Polyps and granulations may be removed using cup forceps or cauterized with silver nitrate or trichloroacetic acid.

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Aural toilet and dry ear precautions are essential.

NEETx

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