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Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
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Lasers in Cholesteatoma Surgery: A Systematic Review
Kimberley Lau1, Marios Stavrakas1, Mark Yardley1
1Otolaryngology Department, 7318Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|August 19, 2020
Summary
Laser surgery for cholesteatoma may help prevent recurrence but does not improve hearing outcomes. This systematic review found a safe hearing profile and a residual/recurrent cholesteatoma rate between 0% and 33%.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Technology
- Medical Laser Applications
Background:
- Cholesteatoma treatment primarily involves surgery to remove squamous epithelium.
- Laser technology offers potential for disease eradication and hearing preservation in middle ear surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies on laser application in cholesteatoma treatment.
- To evaluate laser's outcomes regarding disease eradication and hearing results.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review conducted on MEDLINE and Cochrane Library.
- Adherence to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidance.
- Inclusion of 12 papers reporting on 536 participants.
Main Results:
- Laser surgery did not demonstrate hearing improvement or deterioration in cholesteatoma cases.
- Residual/recurrent cholesteatoma rates ranged from 0% to 33%.
- The complication rate, specifically facial palsy, was reported as 0.6%.
Conclusions:
- Current literature suggests laser may aid in preventing or minimizing residual cholesteatoma.
- Laser application in cholesteatoma surgery appears to have a safe hearing outcome profile.
- Further large-cohort prospective comparative studies are warranted.

