Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery for pediatric external auditory canal cholesteatoma

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Endoscopic Ear Surgery

Background:

• External auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) is rare in children.
• Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES) is established for adult EACC but understudied in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and feasibility of TEES for treating EACC in pediatric patients.
• To assess surgical outcomes and complications in children undergoing TEES for EACC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients (<16 years) with EACC treated with TEES from 2015-2024.
• Assessment of clinical features, lesion extent (Naim's classification), surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes.
• Evaluation of healing time, complications, and recurrence rates.

Main Results:

• 47 pediatric patients (51 ears) with EACC underwent TEES.
• 92% achieved a dry, self-cleaning external auditory canal (EAC) post-surgery with a mean follow-up of 61.5 months.
• Recurrence occurred in 8% of cases, managed with repeat TEES; 4 patients experienced EAC stenosis/atresia.

Conclusions:

• TEES is a safe and feasible surgical option for pediatric EACC.
• Close postoperative follow-up and debridement are crucial for minimizing recurrence.
• TEES offers a viable alternative for treating EACC in children.