Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma is where there is a cyst of skin inside the ear, surrounding and destroying the ear bones (ossicles), the ear drum and risking the nerve to the face and the hearing. Complex surgery is required to remove the disease in such a confined space with delicate and important structures such as the ossicles and the facial nerve.

The disease in children is aggressive and tends to recur. Traditional surgery (canal wall down) leaves an open cavity after the disease has been removed. Alternatives are canal wall up surgery or canal wall reconstruction.

I have used the last technique (taught to me 20 years ago by Michael Portman) over the last 20 years for all suitable cases.  I am quite passionate in my mission to give these children a safe stable and functioning ear.