Endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to petrous apex cholesteatoma.

The purpose of this report is to present indications and risks of endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to treat petrous apex cholesteatoma. This is a retrospective analysis of two cases of petrous apex cholesteatoma presenting with double vision who underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach at Lariboisiere Hospital, Paris, France. Control of the lesion was satisfactory in both cases. However, a minor pontic stroke resulted in transient hemiparesis in the case with dehiscent dura around the petrous apex cholesteatoma. To our knowledge, there are the first cases of petrous apex cholesteatoma reported to be removed by an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach, using image guidance system, with minimal morbidity.