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Updated: Jun 6, 2026
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Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
Petrous bone cholesteatoma removal with hearing preservation
Pascal Senn1, Rudolf Haeusler, Eugène Panosetti
1University Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland. pascal.senn@insel.ch
Summary
This study on petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC) removal found that hearing preservation is achievable with functional reconstruction. Surgical techniques led to good outcomes, with most cavities becoming self-cleaning and dry.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC) is a rare condition requiring complex surgical management.
- Surgical goals include complete tumor removal and preservation of neurological function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical and radiologic outcomes of petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC) removal.
- To evaluate functional reconstruction techniques and their impact on hearing and facial nerve outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of 21 patients with PBC over 16 years (1992-2007) at a tertiary referral center.
- Modified subtotal petrosectomy with simultaneous tympanoplasty, musculoplasty, and meatoplasty was the primary surgical approach.
- Outcomes assessed included tumor recurrence, hearing preservation, facial nerve function, and cavity status.
Main Results:
- Complete macroscopic resection was achieved in all patients; 19% experienced recurrence.
- Postoperative hearing preservation was successful in 82% of patients with preoperative hearing.
- Facial nerve dysfunction resolved in 67% of affected patients, with no new postoperative deficits. All surgical cavities were self-cleaning and dry.
Conclusions:
- Hearing preservation is feasible in the majority of patients undergoing petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC) removal.
- A functional surgical approach and the prevalence of supralabyrinthine lesions contribute to favorable outcomes.
