Patterns of cholesteatoma extension in chronic otitis media

Objective: To analyze the patterns of extension of cholesteatoma during surgery for chronic otitis media. Methodology: A retrospective review was made of all cholesteatoma surgery in otology center within 6 years. Data included demographic data and the patterns of extension of cholesteatoma. Results: One hundred sixty six patients, 86 (51.8%) males and 80 (48.2%) females, who were admitted with clinical diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media, with cholesteatoma. Analysis of the patterns of extension of cholesteatoma, showed that the tympanic cavity was involved in (91.6%), mastoid cavity in (74%) and Eustachian orifice in (42%) of our patients. In the Tympanic cavity, oval window (46%) and sinus tympani (40%) were involved. The most common patterns of extension included tympanic cavity. Attic and antrum involvement were greater than attic only. Conclusion: This study showed that despite decrease in chronic otitis media cases; still there is extensive extension of cholesteatoma in various part of temporal bone in different patients