K. Nagaraj1, V. Ravishankar2, K. Srinivas3, A. Shoban Babu4, J. B. S. Rathod5, D. Sreedhar Reddy6, T. Shanker7, Ramji8
INTRODUCTION
A cholesteatoma (sometimes called a keratoma) is an abnormal growth of squamous epithelium in the middle ear and mastoid.1 It may progressively enlarge to surround and destroy the ossicles, resulting in conductive hearing loss. Hearing loss also may occur if the cholesteatoma obstructs the eustachian tube orifice, leading to middle ear effusion. Surgical therapy is required for most cholesteatomas. The extent and effectiveness of surgery depends upon the size of the cholesteatoma. Early diagnosis is crucial to an optimal outcome
In children this disease is more aggressive and complex and leads to many complications and the treatment is mostly surgical.2 This study is chosen because the incidence of recurrence and residual disease is higher in children and its management is very challenging.
OBJECTIVE
To study the clinical features, disease process. spread and management of cholesteatoma in paediatric age group (less than 16 years).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study was conducted at Govt. ENT Hospital over a period of two years that included 50 cases of cholesteatoma in paediatric age group.
RESULTS
Surgical treatment by Mastoidectomy was done in all cases. Out of 50 cases after surgery 33 patients had dry ear and improvement in hearing 7 patients had recurrence of disease 8 patients had cavity problems like discharge from the ear and 2 patients developed neurological complications.
CONCLUSION
Childhood cholesteatoma has an aggressive nature with tendency for complications hence its treatment is very challenging. Eradication of disease and restoration of hearing should be the primary goal of treatment. Long term follow up is important to monitor the disease recurrence.
