Audiologic results post attico antrostomy with antrum exclusion

Abstract

Introduction. The primary aim of middle ear surgical intervention due to cholesteatoma is the elimination of the disease, while conserving or in some cases improving the patient’s hearing ability. Atticostomy with antrum exclution is a conservative surgery that allows attic cholesteatoma removal, maintaining a relatively normal anatomy. Aims. The main goal of this study is to characterize the audiological changes in patients that underwent this surgical procedure. Material and methods. Audiometries were performed to patients that had atticostomy with antrum exclution, between years 2000 and 2005. Individual data, intra- surgery findings, and audiometric data prior and post surgery were recorded. Results. Results from 18 patients, average age 48 years old, 61% females, are presented. Pre surgical average difference between air and bone conduction was 38dB (10-51dB), whereas post surgical difference was 33 dB (18-50). Fifty percent of patients reached a post surgical level lower than 30 dB. There were no significant changes related to air or bone conduction thresholds. Conclusions. Atticoantrostomy is a surgical procedure that allows both disease elimination and hearing preservation. In our series, hearing was preserved, which represents an advantage over other surgical alternatives.