Cholesteatoma surgery is a category of ear surgery performed to remove a skin cyst (cholesteatoma) from the ear. Typically, patients with a cholesteatoma have pain, decreased hearing (conductive hearing loss), and may have had repeat ear infections. Often, these symptoms have been happening for some time.
Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, with a nerve monitor to monitor the facial nerve during the operation. Most patients will be discharged from the hospital the same day, typically a few hours after the operation.
The surgery is performed under a high-power microscope, as the structures being repaired are very small and delicate. Incisions are made in the ear canal and behind the ear. In many cases, the hearing bones (ossicles) also need to be repaired. See ossiculoplasty.
After the procedure, your surgeon will provide you with information about postoperative care.
If you would like to learn more about this procedure, please contact the Kingston Ear InstituteTM to arrange a consultation.
