Endoscopic management of limited attic cholesteatoma

OBJECTIVES: Microscopic postauricular tympanomastoidectomy provides a limited exposure to the attic, especially anteriorly. In contrast, the endoscope offers wide transcanal access to the attic, allowing for complete removal of limited attic disease, possibly without interrupting the ossicular chain. This report evaluates 8 years of experience with transcanal endoscopic management of limited attic cholesteatoma. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Seventy-three ears with limited attic cholesteatoma underwent endoscopic transcanal tympanotomy and extended atticotomy to access and completely remove the sac. Disease was dissected off the tegmen, the medial and lateral attic walls, and the ossicles. Appropriate ossicular reconstruction was performed. The defect was reconstructed with a composite tragal graft. RESULTS: A transcanal endoscopic approach was adequate for removal of disease in all cases. There were no iatrogenic facial nerve injuries. Bone thresholds were stable. Disease was dissected off the head of the malleus and the body of incus with preservation of both in 24 ears. Mean follow-up was 43 months. Five ears required revision for recurrent disease, and eight were revised for failed ossicular reconstruction or persistent perforation. Moderate to severe retraction in other areas of the tympanic membrane was evident in 28 cases; none of these required further intervention. CONCLUSION: An endoscopic technique allows transcanal, minimally invasive, eradication of limited attic cholesteatoma. Preservation of the ossicles coupled with complete removal of disease is more likely with the endoscope.