[Anatomo-topographical bases of post-tympanoplasty recurrence of cholesteatoma]

25 specimens of the temporal bone were studied to ascertain specific anatomical features of the pockets and sinuses of the tympanic cavity provoking cholesteatoma recurrence after tympanoplasty. An original method is provided of systemic revision of the tympanic cavity along the perimeter to detect and remove cholesteatoma parts hidden in the tympanic cavity pockets and sinuses. After application of the above method the occurrence of the recurrences went down to 9.7%. Intraoperative findings show that cholesteatoma may invade each pocket and sinus of the tympanic cavity both in primary epi-, epimesotympanitis and in cholesteatoma recurrence following open and closed tympanoplasty. In both groups sinus of the facial nerve, posterior tympanic sinus and tympanic cavity suffer most frequently.