Navigated, endoscopically controlled, transtympanic resection of an infracochlear cholesteastoma recurrence

An infracochlear cholesteatoma of the petrous apex with direct contact to the internal carotid artery (ICA) is rare. Due to the risk of cochlear injury with consecutive deafness or injury of the ICA, precise preoperative planning of the approach and strategy is recommended, as well as thorough preoperative counseling of the patient for their informed consent. This case report presents navigated endoscopically controlled transtympanic resection of such a cholesteatoma recurrence. Hearing capacity was not impaired and the patient shows no signs of recurrence.