Cholesteatoma is one of the principal causes, inducing erosion of the bony covering of the posterior labyrinth, leading to exposure of the membranous one.
Currently, surgical management is preferred for hearing preservation, although which technique should be performed is a source of debate.
Some authors retain the cholesteatoma matrix on the side of LF to avoid damage to cochlear function. The other management claims to totally remove cholesteatoma, repairing the labyrinth with bone sealing. In cases of cholesteatoma matrix removal, the fistula is commonly covered without suctioning and without drilling the bone labyrinth to reduce the risk of hearing.
Partial labyrinthectomy has been proposed as a safe technique to treat LF with hearing preservation despite a total removal of the cholesteatoma matrix. Its strength lies in the respect of the inner ear’s anatomic structure and functional activity.
Author(s) Details:
Annalisa Pace,
Organi di Senso Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
Giannicola Iannella,
Organi di Senso Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
Giuseppe Magliulo,
Organi di Senso Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
