[Treatment of petrous bone cholesteatoma]

Cholesteatoma involving the petrous compartment of the temporal bone is rare and is a difficult surgical challenge for the neuro-otological surgeon. A series of 60 cases of petrous bone cholesteatoma is presented. The diagnosis, surgical treatment, results, and complications are discussed. Our present surgical attitude is based on closed obliterative procedures that allow a wide field exposure with radical removal excision, control and protection of vital structures, and management of problems related to the facial nerve. The treatment of dura mater involved by matrix is still unsolved. Regular follow-up with CT and MRI is mandatory.