What to Know About Cholesteatoma Removal

Cholesteatoma removal, also known as a stapedectomy, is one of the most common surgeries performed on the ear. There are many reasons why someone might need this surgery:

• To relieve pain in and around the ear canal if there is an infection in or near the middle ear
• If they have repeated infections that don’t go away with antibiotics or other treatments
• When the hearing has been affected by something called otosclerosis

Whatever your reason for needing cholesteatoma removal, we hope this article helps you learn more about what to expect and feel more at ease.

Should I Get Cholesteatoma Removal?

Before you decide to undergo cholesteatoma removal surgery, it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits. This is major surgery, and like any surgery, there are risks involved, such as infection or bleeding. However, in most cases, the benefits of having the surgery done outweigh the risks. Some of the benefits of cholesteatoma removal include:

1. Relief from pain. One of the most common reasons people have cholesteatoma surgery is to relieve pain. The surgery can help clear away any infection or build-up that might be causing discomfort.
2. Improved hearing. If you have otosclerosis, cholesteatoma removal surgery can often improve your hearing.
3. Prevention of further damage. If left untreated, the cholesteatoma can cause further damage to the ear, such as infection, permanent hearing loss, and even death. Cholesteatoma removal surgery can help prevent these things from happening.
4. Improved quality of life. Having cholesteatoma can be a very frustrating and embarrassing experience. Getting the surgery may help you feel better about yourself and improve your quality of life.

Now that you know a bit more about cholesteatoma removal surgery, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive. But remember, this is a common surgery performed every day, and most people have a successful outcome.

How Often Does a Cholesteatoma Grow Back

Cholesteatoma removal surgery usually isn’t the first choice for the treatment of cholesteatoma. Most people with chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma prefer first to try antibiotic ear drops or other treatments rather than have major surgery. This is because it can take several months for the effects of the medications to be noticed, whereas, with surgery, there are usually immediate results.

But if these medications don’t work, you might need to have cholesteatoma removed surgically. If this is the case, then yes, your eardrum may grow back with cholesteatoma again at some point in time. Surgery should only be done as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.

Cholesteatoma Surgery: What to Expect

•       The surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go home the same day.
•       You will be given general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the surgery.
•       A small incision will be made in the eardrum, and the cholesteatoma will be removed.
•       The incision will then be closed with stitches.
•       You may experience some pain and swelling in the ear after surgery. This is normal and can be treated with pain medication.
•       Most people return to work within a week or two after surgery.
•       It may take several months for your hearing to recover after surgery fully.
•       You may also need to have your eardrum re-inflated. This will be discussed with you in more detail when you meet with the surgeon before surgery.
•       After cholesteatoma removal, the infection is gone, and you can return to a normal life without further complications.

Questions about Cholesteatoma Removal Surgery

 Is there any special care I need to take before cholesteatoma operation? Your ENT doctor may recommend that you stop taking some medications before the procedure. These could include blood thinners, aspirin, or other medications that could increase the risk of bleeding.

 Is there a chance I could lose my hearing after the cholesteatoma operation? There is a small risk of losing some hearing after surgery. This is because the surgery can disrupt the delicate eardrum and cause damage to the hearing mechanism. But this is rare, and most people have a full recovery of their hearing.

 What are the risks associated with cholesteatoma operation? As with any surgery, there are some risks involved. These include infection, permanent hearing loss, and even death. Cholesteatoma removal surgery can help prevent these things from happening.

Cholesteatoma surgery is the most common treatment for this condition, and most people have a successful outcome. It may take several months for your hearing to recover fully. After cholesteatoma removal, the infection is gone, and you can return to a normal life without further complications.