[Experiment study on solubilization of cholesteatoma debris]

A variety of solutions were tested in vitro to find a suitable solvent of cholesteatoma debris for use in clinical practice. The specimens were taken during surgery from the patients of otitis media with cholesteatoma. They were divided in pieces and put in test tubes. Each tube was then admixed with one of the test solutions and incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 hours. Hydrochloric acid (1N) and sodium hydroxide (1N) had no substantial effect to solve the debris. Urea (10N), acetylcysteine (20%) and chymotrypsin (1%) had a weak such effect. Proteolytic agents such as diiodosalitylic acid (0.1N), sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.1N) and cholic acid (0.1N) showed a stronger effect but not enough for clinical use. In contrast, a detergent which contains interfacial active agents and a proteolytic enzyme (alkaline cellulase), such as Attack and Hi-Top, proved to be more effective to solve the debris. However, biological effect of such detergent on the ear is not clear. Further study will be necessary before actual application in the patients.