Cholesteatoma in children, predictors and calculation of recurrence rates

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term recurrence rate after surgery for acquired cholesteatoma in children, to search for predictors of recurrency and to analyse the impact of the applied statistical method on the outcome of the results. During a 15-year period, 114 children underwent first-time surgery for acquired cholesteatoma. The patients were re-evaluated with a median observation time of 5.8 years, range 1-16 years. Recurrence of cholesteatoma developed in 27 ears. The cumulated total recurrence rate was 24% using standard incidence rate calculation, applying Kaplan-Meier survival analysis the recurrence rate was 33%. Recurrent disease occurred significantly more frequent in children < 8 years, with negative preoperative Valsalva, ossicular resorption and with large cholesteatomas. In conclusion, young children with poor Eustachian tube function, large cholesteatoma and erosion of the ossicular chain, are at special risk of recurrence and should be observed several years after surgery.