The impact of endoscopy on the treatment of cholesteatomas

Recurrent cholesteatoma is relatively uncommon. Residual middle ear cholesteatomas account for most of the cases of recurrent disease. The limited role of microscopy in the visualization of tridimensional anatomic alterations of the temporal bone led to the use of endoscopic examination as an additional tool in the realm of ear surgery. Endoscopy has significantly aided in the management of chronic cholesteatomatous otitis media and in the prevention of recurrent disease. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature and assess the relevance of endoscopy in the surgical treatment of cholesteatomas and in the prevention of relapsing lesions. METHOD: Searches on databases MedLine and LILACS were carried out between March and June of 2011 to select studies in which endoscopy was used in the management of cholesteatomas. RESULTS: Three studies comparing surgery aided by endoscopy and surgery performed with the aid of a microscope met the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy has positively impacted the management of cholesteatomas and should be used in cholesteatoma surgery.