ABSTRACT
Pre-operative Computerized Tomography was performed prior to second look operations in 10 cases to check for cholesteatoma after combined approach tympanoplasty. Three independent opinions were obtained on the CT scans and compared with the operative findings. This small series failed to demonstrate reliable pre-operative radiological detection of cholesteatoma. There was disappointing inter-observer agreement in interpretation of the CT scans.
Subject(s)
Cholesteatoma/diagnostic imaging , Ear Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Preoperative Care/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Cholesteatoma/surgery , Ear Diseases/surgery , Humans , Mastoid/surgery , Observer Variation , Recurrence , ReoperationABSTRACT
Controversy still exists concerning the ultimate fate of transposed or transplanted ossicles in tympanoplasty. Histological studies on autologous and homologous ossicles removed at revision operations, or from animal studies, vary in their conclusions. The viability, of such materials used in the long-term is still uncertain. Whether this has any functional significance is also uncertain. This report contains a histological review of 10 ossicle remnants stored in the 'closed' mastoid cavity for 12 months, following closed cavity mastoidectomy (combined approach tympanoplasty).
