Transcanal Endoscopic Ear Surgery for Congenital Cholesteatoma: A Multi-institutional Series

Objective To assess outcomes of transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) for congenital cholesteatoma. Study Design Case series with chart review of children who underwent TEES for congenital cholesteatoma over a 10-year period. Setting Three tertiary referral centers. Methods Cholesteatoma extent was classified according to Potsic stage; cases with mastoid extension (Potsic IV) were excluded. Disease characteristics, surgical approach, and outcomes were compared among stages. Outcomes measures included residual or recurrent cholesteatoma and audiometric data. Results Sixty-five cases of congenital cholesteatoma were included. The mean age was 6.5 years (range, 1.2-16), and the mean follow-up was 3.9 years (range, 0.75-9.1). There were 19 cases (29%) of Potsic stage I disease, 10 (15%) stage II, and 36 (55%) stage III. Overall, 24 (37%) patients underwent a second-stage procedure, including 1 with Potsic stage II disease (10%) and 21 (58%) with Potsic stage III disease. Eight cases (12%) of residual cholesteatoma occurred. One patient (2%) developed retraction-type (recurrent) cholesteatoma. Recidivism occurred only among Potsic stage III cases. Postoperative air conduction hearing thresholds were normal (<25 dB HL) in 93% of Potsic stage I, 88% of stage II, and 36% of stage III cases. Conclusion TEES is feasible and effective for removal of congenital cholesteatoma not extending into the mastoid. Recidivism rates were lower with the TEES approach in this large series than in previously reported studies. Advanced-stage disease was the primary risk factor for recidivism and worse hearing result. As minimally invasive TEES is possible in the youngest cases, children benefit from early identification and intervention.

Automated summary

The study assessed the outcomes of transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) for congenital cholesteatoma and found that it is feasible and effective for cases not extending into the mastoid. Recidivism rates were lower with TEES approach, with advanced-stage disease being the primary risk factor for recidivism and worse hearing outcomes. Minimally invasive TEES in young children allows for early identification and intervention.