My 11 year old son had surgery to remove a Cholesteatoma 12/11/96. The surgery took longer than anticipated and the condition was, and I quote the surgeon here,"The worst case I've seen in 12 years." I trust my surgeon. He had to do (and please pardon my terminology may be inaccurate) an open cavity surgery, all the mastoid/hearing bones where covered with the Cholesteatoma and removed and rebuilt.
His hearing has improved but now the ear drum is being sucked into the middle ear again which, from what I understand, is the next step to another Cholesteatoma. The surgeon wants to insert a tube in his eardrum to help relieve this condition. My son's ear is extremly sensitive and this procedure will be done in the office under a local. Where can I find some information on this procedure as a follow up to this surgery in particular to lessen the chance of recurring Cholesteatoma?
I'm assuming you can not give medical advice, however I would like to research this subject before it happens. Also, are there surgeons who specialize in this type of case? I currently live in Santa Fe, NM and am wondering if a "big town" surgeon would have more experience with this.
Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Reply: ---------------------
Actually, the advice you have been given seems very appropriate. It is certainly possible that eustachian tube dysfunction may be the primary underlying problem with your son ears. Chronic eustachian tube dysfunction can lead to significant pressure imbalance inside the middle ear which can subsequently lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear or retraction of the ear drum. When retraction of the ear drum becomes severe, cholesteatomas can develop which can result in destructive processes inside the middle ear and mastoid. When eustachian tube dysfunction does not respond to the usual medical measures, and particularly when significant retractions of the ear drum occur, it is common to recommend the insertion of a ventilating tube into the ear drum to prevent further problems. The mastoid and middle ear surgery that your son has had is far more technical and complex a procedure than the insertion of a ventilating tube in the ear drum.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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