Cartilage Fascia Composite Canalplasty for External Auditory Canal Cholesteatoma: Case Analysis and Long-term Surgical Results

Objective: To analyze surgical outcomes of cartilage-fascia composite canalplasty (CFCC) for external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC). Study Design: Retrospective case review study. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: A total of 13 patients with EACC (n = 14 ears due to one patient with bilateral EACC). Intervention: Surgical method of CFCC using well designed-conchal cartilage and temporalis muscle fascia after complete removal of EACC. Main Outcome Measures: Clinical characteristics and EACC stages were determined by oto-endoscopic examination and computed tomography (CT) findings. The surgical results of CFCC were analyzed. Results: The median age of patients was 43 years (range, 12–75 yr), with a male to female ratio of 6 to 7. EACC stages were from II to IV. Cortical bone erosion in the inferior part of the bony EAC was the most common finding. All patients had satisfactory results: no more ear symptoms related with cholesteatoma and no need of dressing. Postoperative hearing gain was observed in four patients. No complications or recurrence occurred during the mean follow-up period of 34.4 months. Conclusion: Surgical technique of CFCC was effective for EACC not responding to conservative management.