Recurrent Cholesteatoma: Why it occurs?

A cholesteatoma is an expansion of keratinizing squamous epithelium that enters the middle ear cleft from the outer layer of the tympanic membrane or ear canal. Choleatomas are always treated surgically. Recurrence of the illness presents another challenge for the patient and the surgeon, though. There have been reports of recurrence rates as high as 30% in adults and as high as 70% in children. Here, we describe a case of persistent recurrent otorrhea following revision surgery, along with acquired recurrent cholesteatoma following canal wall down surgery. A 38-year -male with underlying Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension presented with left scanty and foul-smelling ear discharge for 2 years and left reduced hearing. He was diagnosed with left chronic active otitis media with cholesteatoma for which he underwent left modified radical mastoidectomy, meatoplasty and tympanoplasty in 2017. Five months post operatively, he presented with left otorrhea. However, he defaulted followed up and presented in April 2018 for similar complaints. Otoscopy examination revealed left tympanic membrane perforation at poster superior quadrant of pars tensa and bluish discoloration behind pars flacida. He was diagnosed as recurrent left cholesteatoma and subsequently he underwent left mastoid exploration under general anesthesia in June 2018. Postsurgery, he developed recurrent ear discharge which was treated with topical antibiotics and ear toileting. We report a case of recurrent Cholesteatoma despite canal wall down procedure requiring a second redo procedure and with persistent recurrent otorrhea after the redo procedure.However, this case demonstrates the need for regular follow ups even after a canal wall down procedure for detecting recurrence of disease. Moreover, this case denotes some of the patient factors and surgeon factors involved in disease recurrence. Furthermore, importance of opting for an imaging study in case of high suspicion of the disease.

Tympanomastoidectomy versus parenteral antibiotic therapy for pediatric otorrhea.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of tympanomastoidectomy versus parenteral antibiotic therapy for otorrhea as a result of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) without cholesteatoma in the pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective review of 221 patients treated for otorrhea at a tertiary academic pediatric hospital was performed to evaluate the impact of tympanomastoidectomy versus parenteral antibiotic therapy on resolution of otorrhea. Inclusion criteria were age 0-18 years, prior treatment with otic and/or oral antibiotic, prior history of tympanostomy tube placement for recurrent otitis media, history of otorrhea, treatment with tympanomastoidectomy or parenteral antibiotic therapy, and follow-up of at least 1 month after intervention. Time to resolution was compared between the two modalities adjusting for age, bilateral ear disease status, and comorbidities using a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Eighty-three ears from 58 children met the inclusion criteria. Ears that initially underwent tympanomastoidectomy had a significantly shorter time to resolution of symptoms (median time to resolution) 9 months (95 % confidence interval CI: 6.2-14.8) vs. 48.5 months (95 % lower CI 9.4, p = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, however, only bilateral ear disease status was independently associated with time to resolution of symptoms (hazard ratio 0.4, 95 % CI 0.2-0.9, p = 0.03). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of treatment-related complications when comparing tympanomastoidectomy to parenteral antibiotic therapy (p = 0.37). CONCLUSION: When adjusting for age, bilateral ear disease status, and comorbidities, there does not appear to be a significant difference in time to resolution of symptoms when comparing parenteral antibiotic therapy to tympanomastoidectomy. An informed discussion regarding risks and benefits of each approach should be employed when deciding on the next step in management for patients with CSOM who have failed more conservative therapies.

Characterization of Otolaryngology Referrals among Pacific Islanders in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

The burden of otolaryngology disease in Pacific Islander populations is relatively uncharacterized. A single-institution retrospective review was undertaken at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation in Saipan, the only hospital in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Demographic, diagnostic, and treatment data were compiled from the clinical charts of all patients seen by an otolaryngologist between January 2015 and April 2020. For all Pacific Islanders in the sample (N=674), the average age was 40.2 (SD 22.4) years and ages ranged from 10 months to 89 years. Patients were 50.7% male and 49.3% female. The most common diagnoses affected the ear (40.8%), followed by the oral cavity/pharynx (23.2%), and nose (14.0%). Middle ear disease comprised 41.7% of reported ear disorders; the most common problem was otitis media (19.4%, n=68) followed by tympanic membrane perforation (14.0%, n=49). Head and neck cancers comprised 8.6% of all diagnoses. Most (77.8%) malignant neoplasms were oral cavity carcinomas. The average age at diagnosis for oral cancer was 46.6 years with a 1.8:1 male-to-female predominance. Patients with cancer of the oral cavity (n=56) chewed betel nut at higher rates (94.6%) compared with other adults in the sample (P<.001). Adult patients reported alcohol use, smoking, and chewing betel quid at rates of 26.5%, 39.9%, and 52.2% respectively. Otolaryngology referrals among Pacific Islanders in this sample were dominated by ear disease and included betel nut-related oral cavity disease.

Disease-specific quality of life and psychological distress after endoscopic tympanoplasty.

PURPOSE: To assess the postoperative quality of life (QoL) of patients operated on for chronic otitis media (COM) and cholesteatoma by endoscopic approach, with respect to disease-specific complaints and psychological distress, using two validated questionnaires: Chronic Ear Survey (CES) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). METHODS: Eighty-five consecutive patients operated on for cholesteatoma and COM by endoscopic tympanoplasty from March 2018 to February 2020 filled in CES and DASS-21, within one month prior to surgery. A second administration of each questionnaire was performed at the yearly postoperative evaluation. A multivariate analysis using a linear regression model was performed to evaluate the role of the different variables associated with the questionnaires' subscales and overall scores. RESULTS: A significant improvement was achieved in all CES and DASS-21 subscales after endoscopic tympanoplasty. No patient showed a DASS-21 score compatible with a psychological distress both at the pre- and postoperative assessments. At multivariate analysis, the only significant factors associated with postoperative improvement in CES scores were preoperative DASS-21 "depression" score and months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic tympanoplasty shows significantly improved QoL as assessed by disease-specific and psycho-emotional questionnaires. A subjective favourable effect of fully endoscopic ear surgery was demonstrated.

Development of otology specific outcome measure: Ear Outcome Survey-16 (EOS-16).

PURPOSE: An important outcome measure of patient care is the impact on the patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Current ear-specific HRQoL instruments are designed for one diagnosis and emphasize different subdivisions such as symptoms, hearing problems, psychosocial impact, and the need for care. The optimal length of the recall period has not been studied. For these reasons, a new survey is needed that would cover most chronic ear diseases. METHODS: A preliminary 24-item survey (EOS-24) was created. Untreated adult patients (included n = 186) with one of seven different chronic otologic conditions from all university hospitals in Finland were recruited to respond to EOS-24 and the 15D general HRQoL instrument. The recruiting otologists evaluated the severity of the disease and the disability caused by it. A control group was recruited. Based on the patients' responses in different diagnosis groups, the items were reduced according to pre-defined criteria. The resulting survey was validated using a thorough statistical analysis. RESULTS: The relevance and necessity of the original 24 items were thoroughly investigated, leading to the exclusion of 8 items and the modification of 1. The remaining 16 items were well-balanced between subdivisions and were useful in all seven diagnosis groups, thus constituting the final instrument, EOS-16. The most suitable recall period was three months. CONCLUSIONS: EOS-16 has been created according to the HRQoL survey guidelines with a versatile nationwide patient population. The survey has been validated and can be used for a wide range of chronic ear diseases as a HRQoL instrument.

Endoscopic Management of Pediatric Chronic Ear Disease.

Pediatric chronic ear disease and its sequelae often necessitate surgical intervention, such as ear tube insertion, ossiculoplasty, tympanoplasty, and cholesteatoma removal. Although these procedures have traditionally been performed with the microscope, use of rigid endoscopes provides an alternative method for visualization. The endoscope offers improved visualization of the middle ear space and adjacent structures and can either be used alone to perform surgery through the ear canal or together with the microscope if mastoidectomy is required. Endoscopic ear surgery can reduce the need for a postauricular incision or mastoidectomy while resulting in equivalent hearing outcomes compared with those performed with the microscope. In addition, use of the endoscope is associated with lower rates of residual disease following primary cholesteatoma procedures.

History of Endoscopic Ear Surgery.

The introduction of the microscope to ear surgery by Wullstein has been a transformative event in ear surgery. The ability to visualize disease and anatomy has resulted in more effective surgery and better functional outcomes. Many surgical disciplines have adapted the endoscope as the instrument of choice to access and correct internal pathology without disruption of overlying tissue. Multiple discussions and attempts at using the endoscope in ear surgery over the years have culminated in the development of transcanal endoscopic ear surgery. This article discusses the integration of the endoscope into the practice of otologic surgery.

The Medially-Invasive Cholesteatoma: An Aggressive Subtype of a Common Pathology.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the outcomes of treatment for patients with cholesteatomas that are medially invasive to the otic capsule, petrous apex, and/or skull base. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Two tertiary care academic centers. PATIENTS: Patients surgically managed for medially-invasive cholesteatoma at two tertiary care institutions from 2001 to 2017. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical management of medially-invasive cholesteatomas. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The presenting symptoms, imaging, pre- and post-operative clinical course, and complications were reviewed. RESULTS: Seven patients were identified. All patients had pre-operative radiographic evidence of invasive cholesteatoma with erosion into the otic capsule beyond just a lateral semicircular canal fistula. Five patients had a complex otologic history with multiple surgeries for recurrent cholesteatoma including three with prior canal wall down mastoidectomy surgeries. Average age at the time of surgery was 41.3 years (range 20-83). Two patients underwent a hearing preservation approach to the skull base while all others underwent a surgical approach based on the extent of the lesion. Facial nerve function was maintained at the pre-operative level in all but one patient. No patient developed cholesteatoma recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The medially-invasive cholesteatoma demonstrates an aggressive, endophytic growth pattern, invading into the otic capsule or through the perilabyrinthine air cells to the petrous apex. Surgical resection remains the best treatment option for medially-invasive cholesteatoma. When CSF leak is a concern, a subtotal petrosectomy with closure of the ear is often necessary.

Evaluation of Subtotal Petrosectomy Technique in Difficult Cases of Cochlear Implantation.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity of the subtotal petrosectomy (STP) technique in problematic cases of cochlear implant (CI) surgery, and review indications, outcomes, and related controversies. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective review of data from a private quaternary referral center of otology and skull base surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A review of patients who underwent CI with STP (STP-CI) as the leading approach was performed. Demographics, indications, surgical details, and main outcomes were evaluated. The surgeries performed were usually single-stage procedures encompassing a comprehensive mastoidectomy, blind sac closure of the external auditory canal (EAC), and mastoid obliteration with autologous fat. RESULTS: A total of 107 cases were included. Mean follow-up was 7.1 years (range 1-13 years). The most frequent indication for STP-CI was chronic otitis media with/without cholesteatoma (32.7%), followed by open mastoid cavity (26.1%), and cochlear ossification (17.7%). Other difficult conditions where STP facilitates successful implantation include inner-ear malformations, temporal-bone trauma, unfavorable anatomic conditions, and revision surgery. A planned staged procedure was performed in 3 cases. The rate of major complications was 5.6% (n = 6). Three patients developed postauricular wound dehiscence which eventually resulted in device extrusion. No cases of recurrent/entrapped cholesteatoma, EAC breakdown, or meningitis were encountered. This is the largest single-center series of STP-CI reported in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: When CI is intended in technically challenging cases or associated with a high risk of complications, STP is effective and reliable. Safe implantation and excellent long-term outcomes can be achieved provided surgical steps are properly followed. Single-stage procedures can be performed in most cases, even when there is active middle-ear disease.

Pediatric Endoscopic Ossiculoplasty Following Surgery for Chronic Ear Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Rigid endoscopes can improve visualization of the tympanic space compared to traditional microscopic techniques. This study investigates whether use of transcanal endoscopic ossiculoplasty influences audiologic outcomes compared to microscopic ossiculoplasty following chronic ear surgery in children. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative cohort study at two tertiary care centers. METHODS: Retrospective review of pediatric chronic ear cases where ossiculoplasty was performed from February 2009 to March 2018. RESULTS: We identified 100 ears that underwent endoscopic ossiculoplasty and 100 ears that underwent microscopic ossiculoplasty. The mean age was 11 years (range, 4-18 years) with 63% males. There were no significant differences in these parameters between the two groups. Subjects underwent either primary ossiculoplasty or ossiculoplasty during second-look procedures. There was no significant difference in air conduction pure tone average (PTA) after microscopic cases compared to endoscopic cases (-12.5 dB vs. -10.5 dB, P = .40). These results were independent of prosthesis type. Microscopic ossiculoplasty was significantly more likely to use a post-auricular approach (P = .0001). There was no difference in complication rate between the two groups. The malleus was more likely to be absent or removed prior to endoscopic ossiculoplasty (P = .0004) with no significant difference in the change in PTA between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Transcanal endoscopic ossiculoplasty was found to have equivalent audiometric outcomes with significantly fewer post-auricular approaches and no increase in complications compared to microscopic ossiculoplasty. While the malleus was more likely to be absent in endoscopic cases, this did not appear to influence the change in PTA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2020.

Efficacy of the mini-meatoplasty.

OBJECTIVES: The lateral meatoplasty is a well-described technique for widening the lateral external auditory meatus. After bony canalplasty, the external auditory meatus may need to be enlarged to accommodate an expanded tympanic ring. In this study, we introduce a novel meatoplasty technique for use during canalplasty and describe its efficacy in widening the external auditory meatus. METHODS: Patients undergoing at least 180-degree bony canalplasty and mini-meatoplasty at a tertiary care facility were enrolled. Meatus diameter was measured before and after mini-meatoplasty using Shea aural speculums and Hegar dilators. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were enrolled. Mean preoperative speculum size was 6.1 mm (range 3.5-7.5 mm). All postoperative speculum sizes were 8 mm (P < .0001). Mean preoperative and postoperative Hegar dilator sizes were 10.6 mm (range 7-14 mm) and 16.2 mm (range 13-19 mm), respectively (P < .0001). The mean increase in aural speculum and Hegar dilator sizes were 1.9 mm (range 0.5-3.5 mm) and 5.7 mm (range 3-10 mm), respectively (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The mini-meatoplasty is a novel and effective technique for widening the external auditory meatus after bony canalplasty. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1294-1298, 2020.

Double medial and lateral graft in myringoplasty. / Miringoplastia con injerto doble medial y lateral.

OBJECTIVES: A surgical technique for a double medial and lateral overlay autologous fascia graft myringoplasty is described in this paper along with its indications and results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The presurgical and one year post surgery characteristics are analyzed for 100 cases with the double medial and lateral overlay autologous fascia graft technique. The anatomical and functional results are analyzed. RESULTS: The results are analyzed one year post surgery. The probabilities of obtaining a graft take using this methodology are 95%. The incidence of persistence of the perforations is 12.5% in children under 10 and 2.5% in children over ten years of age and adults. The complications are 4% of epithelial pearls with blunting of the neo-tympanum, 1% of retractions and 3% of epithelitis which is resolved with a topical medical treatment. The average residual air/bone gap is less than 20dB in 85% of the cases. Less than 10dB in 38%, and between 10 and 20dB in 47%. The causes for incomplete closure of the gap are analyzed; possibly related to fibrosis and sclerosis of the tympanic remnants and/or the ossicular chain. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that this methodology provides the best results in comparison with other methods we have used and have set aside for very specific situations related to the size and location of the perforation.

Brief Commentary on Gidley et al: "Contemporary Opinions on Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring".

Intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IOFNM) has evolved from requiring sophisticated electromyography equipment to a self-contained monitor with an auditory signal. Subspecialty ear surgeons currently use IOFNM in most otologic and temporal bone procedures as it improves facial nerve outcomes. Our competency and near-universal adoption of IOFNM notwithstanding, otolaryngologists are rarely reimbursed for this procedure. Subspecialists value this technology as medically necessary and should importune fair reimbursement for their expertise in this procedure that is so vital to patient safety.

Management of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media and Otosclerosis in Developing Countries.

Chronic ear disease is a major cause of acquired hearing loss in the developing world. It is prevalent on every continent, but occurs more commonly in poorer nations owing to a lack of preventative measures. This article outlines the particular challenges in treating this disease in the developing world, including a discussion of surgical management and special situations. Otosclerosis is another surgically treatable cause of hearing loss that is found throughout the developing world. Surgeons working in these environments should be prepared to deal with advanced otosclerotic disease.

Bilateral Ossicular Head Dehiscence Into the Middle Cranial Fossa.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a unique case of bilateral dehiscence of the malleus and incus heads into the middle fossa making contact with the temporal lobes, along with its clinical implications. METHODS: An analysis of a patient case and review of pertinent literature were performed. RESULTS: A patient with a history of right-sided mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma was evaluated for persistent conductive hearing loss. On computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the patient had a complete dehiscence of the tegmen tympani on the right, with ossicular heads being located above the floor of the middle cranial fossa. A similar finding to a milder degree was noted on the left. The patient underwent revision tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy with removal of the incus and ossicular chain reconstruction and middle fossa craniotomy for repair of the right epitympanic dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: We present some of the unique imaging and operative findings involved in an unusual presentation of encephalocele in which the bilateral malleus and incus heads rise above the level of the middle fossa floor.

Evidence against the mucosal traction theory in cholesteatoma.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the distribution of ciliated epithelium in the human middle ear and its potential role in the formation of cholesteatoma. STUDY DESIGN: Comparative human temporal bone study. METHODS: We selected temporal bones from 14 donors with a diagnosis of cholesteatoma, 15 with chronic otitis media without retraction pockets, 14 with chronic otitis media with retraction pockets, 14 with cystic fibrosis (CF), and 16 controls. We mapped the distribution of the ciliated cells in the mucosal lining of the middle ear and tympanic membrane using three-dimensional reconstruction analysis, and counted the number of ciliated cells in the middle ear mucosa. RESULTS: Ciliated cells are extremely sparse in the epithelial lining of the lateral surface of the ossicles in the epitympanum and the medial surface of the tympanic membrane. Furthermore, there is a significant decrease in the number of ciliated cells in these areas in temporal bones with cholesteatoma, chronic otitis media, chronic otitis media with retraction pockets, and CF compared to controls. Ciliated cells most commonly are located at the hypotympanum and the Eustachian tube opening but not the tympanic membrane or epitympanum. CONCLUSION: The paucity of ciliated epithelial cells on the medial side of the tympanic membrane and the lateral surface of the ossicles in the epitympanum in cases with cholesteatoma and/or chronic otitis media do not support the mucosal migration theory of cholesteatoma formation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 128:1663-1667, 2018.

Contemporary Opinions on Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the current trend in intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IOFNM) training, performance, and reimbursement by subspecialists. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of the American Neurotology Society, American Otological Society, American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology, and program directors of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery programs accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. SETTING: American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Intraoperative Nerve Monitoring Task Force. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The task force developed 2 surveys, which were implemented through Surveymonkey.com: (1) a 10-question survey sent to 1506 members of the societies listed to determine IOFNM practice and reimbursement patterns and (2) a 10-question survey sent to the 107 accredited US otolaryngology residency program directors to examine the state of resident training on facial nerve monitoring. RESULTS: Response rates were 18% for practicing physicians and 15% for residency program directors. The majority agreed that IOFNM was indicated for most otologic and neurotologic procedures. In addition to facial nerve monitoring, facial nerve stimulation was used in complex skull base and temporal bone procedures. When queried about reimbursement by Medicare, only 4.4% of surgeons responded that they received reimbursement. Program directors indicated universal exposure of residents to IOFNM, with 61% of programs giving residents formal training. CONCLUSIONS: IOFNM is widely used among otologists and neurotologists in the United States. The majority of residents receive formal training, and all residents are exposed to the setup, use, monitoring, and troubleshooting of the device. Reimbursement for IOFNM is reported by a paucity of those surveyed.

Ultrasonic bone aspirator use in endoscopic ear surgery: feasibility and safety assessed using cadaveric temporal bones.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the feasibility and assess the safety of using an ultrasonic bone aspirator in endoscopic ear surgery. METHODS: Five temporal bones were dissected via endoscopic ear surgery using a Sonopet ultrasonic bone aspirator. Atticoantrostomy was undertaken. Another four bones were dissected using routine endoscopic equipment and standard bone curettes in a similar manner. Feasibility and safety were assessed in terms of: dissection time, atticoantrostomy adequacy, tympanomeatal flap damage, chorda tympani nerve injury, ossicular injury, ossicular chain disruption, facial nerve exposure and dural injury. RESULTS: The time taken to perform atticoantrostomy was significantly less with the use of the ultrasonic bone aspirator as compared to conventional bone curettes. CONCLUSION: The ultrasonic bone aspirator is a feasible option in endoscopic ear surgery. It enables easy bone removal, with no additional complications and greater efficacy than traditional bone curettes. It should be a part of the armamentarium for transcanal endoscopic ear surgery.

Quality of life measurements for patients with chronic suppurative otitis media: Italian adaptation of "Chronic Ear Survey".

The chronic ear survey (CES) is a sensitive and disease specific quality of life (QoL) measurement tool in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM). It is a 13-item survey that evaluates the frequency, duration and severity of problems associated with this disease. It is composed of three subscales that describe activity restrictions, symptoms and medical resource utilisation. Based on patient's answers, it is possible to obtain a score resulting in a scale ranging from 0 to 100; the highest indicates the best health, while the lowest denotes poor health. The questionnaire was originally created in English. The aim of this study is to validate the CES questionnaire in Italian (CES-I). Translation was made following international guidelines. The application follows the stages of translation from English to Italian and linguistic adaptation, and grammatical and idiomatic equivalence review. The CES-I and the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) questionnaires were administered to 54 patients with CSOM. A cross-sectional design was used to examine the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and concurrent validity (Pearson's product moment correlation). To confirm the external validity of CES-I, Pearson correlation coefficient, considering the total score and single subscales of CES and the 8 scales of the SF-36, was calculated. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for internal consistency was 0.737. The intraclass correlation coefficient, measured through mixed effects, was 0.737 (95% CI: 0.600-0.835, p < 0.001) for average measures and 0.412 (95%CI: 0.273-0.559, p < 0.001) for individual measures. According to our results, CES-I is a reliable tool for evaluation of QoL in patients with CSOM among the Italian-speaking population.

Subtotal petrosectomy: Surgical technique, indications, outcomes, and comprehensive review of literature.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To describe the technique of subtotal petrosectomy (STP), to analyze the outcomes, and to review the literature STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review. METHODS: Four hundred sixty cases of STP performed for various indications were included in the study, which was conducted at a quaternary referral center for otology and skull base surgery. Surgical and audiological parameters, and complications were evaluated. Our results were compared with the existing literature on the subject. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-seven (64.6%) patients had been subjected to multiple surgeries before an STP was performed. The most common indication for STP was recurrent chronic otitis with or without cholesteatoma, with 165 (35.9%) patients. Difficult cases of cochlear implantation, temporal bone fractures, and class B3 tympanomastoid paragangliomas were the next most common indications, with 91 (19.8%), 43 (9.4%), and 38 (8.3%) cases, respectively. The median follow-up of the patient pool was 36 ± 19 months. Recidivism and postauricular wound fistula were the most common complications, seen in five (1.1%) patients each. This series of STP is the largest reported in the literature CONCLUSIONS: STP is a very useful and safe surgical tool in the management of a variety of problematic situations in otology, as it offers the possibility of a definitive cure by offering radical clearance. This procedure can be combined safely with hearing implantation procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4. Laryngoscope, 127:2833-2842, 2017.