Surgery for recurrent and residual cholesteatoma.

One hundred twelve patients (116 ears) were treated for recurrent and residual cholesteatoma. A retrospective review revealed that 66% had undergone canal wall down mastoidectomy at the previous surgery. The surgical procedure at revision was selected on the basis of an intraoperative assessment of the extent of disease, and clinical prediction of eustachian tube function. The average period of follow-up was 3.4 years. Revision surgery was successful in providing the patient with a safe, dry ear in 105 (91%) of 116 cases. Surgical principles and hearing results are presented.