Key results
Our study reported LFs in
15% (14/90) of middle ear
cholesteatomas. The evaluation of cholesteatomas pre-operatively with
HRCT yielded a high sensitivity (92.9%) and specificity (94.7%) for
LFs. Significantly higher incidence of tegmen tympani dehiscence, stapes
erosion were seen in ears with LF. Matrix management method in our
centre is based on surgeon preference, considering the approximate
fistula size based on preoperative imaging and initial hearing.
The two LFs with matrix
preservation were done due to Surgeon 2’s suspicion of larger fistulas
and both patients hearing thresholds. Significantly better postoperative
hearing outcomes was observed in complete matrix removal than matrix
preservation in our study.