[Intact ossicular chain cholesteatoma: aspects and results of conservative surgery]

We present a 24 case-study of intact ossicular chain cholesteatomas among 158 first-look procedures performed between august 93 and april 96 (15%). The eradication of the disease was achieved via canal wall up technique without disrupting the ossicular chain in 20 cases (84%). Technical procedures are described. This new surgical attitude has enabled us to achieve better functional results. Second look procedures have not been necessary in all cases and occurrence of residuals has not been increased on a 14 months follow up period (2 cases out of 24 patients: 8%). Therefore, a longer follow up period is necessary to validate the results obtained using this recent concept.