Malleus removal and total cartilage reinforcement in intact canal wall tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma.

This study analyzes the morphological and hearing results obtained from intact canal wall cholesteatoma surgery by removing the malleus, reinforcing the whole tympanic membrane with cartilage, and performing an ossiculoplasty with a hydroxyapatite prosthesis. The results were compared to those obtained in intact canal wall cholesteatoma surgery by preserving the malleus manubrium, partially reinforcing the tympanic membrane with cartilage, and predominantly using an ossicle to perform the ossiculoplasty. One- or two-stage intact canal wall procedures were performed in 390 adult patients (416 ears) who had a nonoperated middle ear cholesteatoma. Recurrent and residual cholesteatoma rates were evaluated. Hearing results were analyzed according to the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium Guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. There was a statistically significant decrease in the recurrence rate in patients who had total cartilage reinforcement of the tympanic membrane versus patients who had partial tympanic membrane cartilage reinforcement. This technique using a hydroxyapatite prosthesis for ossiculoplasty gave good hearing results.