Cholesteatoma Surgery

What is cholesteatoma surgery?

A cholesteatoma is a skin-lined cyst that begins behind the ear drum. As it grows larger, it can invade the middle ear and the bone behind the ear (mastoid). Surgery is the main treatment to remove the invading cells and surrounding infection and protect the ear from further damage.

Why have this procedure?

When you have a cholesteatoma, the skin cells become trapped in a pocket and can cause inflammation and infection. Without treatment, it can become invasive and destroy parts of the middle ear. Aside from being painful, cholesteatoma can lead to problems with hearing loss, tinnitus, taste dysfunction and balance issues. If ignored, cholesteatomas can eat away bone and lead to serious complications including total hearing loss and brain infection. 

What is involved in this procedure?

Cholesteatoma surgery is a delicate surgery performed using a small camera and a microscope. It may take between 2-3 hours under general anaesthetic.

Surgery may be done through the ear canal and focus on repairing the eardrum and small bones involved in hearing. When the infection or growth has spread into the mastoid bone, an incision behind the ear will open the bone to remove the disease. The exact surgical approach depends on the size and extent of your cholesteatoma. Your ENT surgeon will often decide on the best approach during surgery when the extent of the disease and anatomy of your ear is revealed most clearly.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you will wear dressings for several weeks to protect your ear and prevent infection. You will also need regular check ups every 6-12 months to check that your cholesteatoma has not returned. Some patients may require follow up surgery to help restore hearing after the initial infection and inflammation has settled.

Where will I have my surgery?

Cholesteatoma surgery is performed in hospital. This may be booked as a day surgery where you go home the same day. Larger operations that require more significant reconstruction may require an overnight stay in hospital.

If you have private health cover, you can choose to have the surgery at North Shore Private Hospital, Castlecrag Private Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital. If you prefer to be seen as a public patient, surgery is offered at Northern Beaches Hospital.