Effects of middle ear ventilation on cholesteatoma development in experimental animals

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of middle ear ventilation on cholesteatoma formation following propylene glycol application in experimental animals. Fifteen chinchillas had stainless steel ventilation tubes chronically implanted in their bullae and 60% propylene glycol was subsequently instilled into the middle ear cavities. The animals were kept alive for 4 weeks, during which time the middle ear pressure was monitored tympanometrically and the tubes were frequently inspected to verify patency. Of the 30 ears in the study, 20 (66.6%) developed middle ear cholesteatoma--a rate of occurrence comparable to that found in earlier studies in which middle ear ventilation was not provided. These results indicate that negative middle ear pressure is not a necessary factor for cholesteatoma development following application of chemical irritants in experimental animals.