Surgery for epitympanic cholesteatoma: evaluation of training and experience

Results of surgery in a series of 175 ears with attic cholesteatoma were studied in relation to the experience of the surgeons. Residents receive an annual course in temporal bone dissection and are given daily surgical instruction in the operating theater. Their performance as to hearing results, healed tympanic membrane, postoperative discharge, and number of recurrences were statistically not different from those of the faculty. The method of intact canal skin surgery is described in detail because training in this type of surgery develops skill in soft tissue conservation. Continuous clinical instruction and frequent evaluation of progress are necessary to guarantee specialist-level results.