[Cholesteatoma in childhood. Surgical treatment and results]

261 children with 281 cholesteatoma operations performed between 1970 and 1982 in the ENT-Clinic of the University of Tübingen were followed-up. In 77 ears an open technique (attico-antrotomy with removal of the posterior canal wall) was employed. In 103 ears a combined approach with posterior tympanotomy and preservation of the posterior canal wall was performed. In 47 ears an atticotomy with reconstruction of the lateral attix wall defect with tragal cartilage and perichondrium was done. The cholesteatoma was limited to the middle ear in 54 patients; treatment consisted of a transcanal tympanoplasty. 36.3% of the children had a residual or a recurrent cholesteatoma, 19.5% after open technique, 61.2% after a combined approach operation, 17% after atticoantrotomy and reconstruction of the scutum and 29.6% after a transcanal tympanoplasty. We therefore conclude that a second look operation is necessary especially after closed technique surgery.