[Therapeutic efficacy of ear endoscopic surgery for middle ear cholesterol granuloma]

This study aimed to investigate the surgical efficacy of middle ear cholesterol granuloma using otoendoscopy. A total of 23 patients (9 males and 14 females) aged (38±18) years who were diagnosed with middle ear cholesterol granuloma at the Otology Medical Center, the First People's Hospital of Foshan from May 2020 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on clinical characteristics of the lesions, the patients were categorized into retention type and granulation type; the latter was further subdivided into localized and extensive types. Endoscopic intervention was performed on four patients with retention-type lesions. Nineteen cases presented as granulation type, among which eleven were classified as localized type and successfully treated via endoscopy. Among eight patients with extensive-type lesions, five adult patients underwent open endoscopic surgery for tympanic sinus and mastoid process reconstruction, and three children received endoscopic surgery along with microscopic closure techniques. During follow-up for at least one year, post-extubation fluid accumulation occurred in one patient, and no recurrence was observed in others. The current study suggests that endoscopic treatment for middle ear cholesterol granuloma yields favorable outcomes.