Use of mastoid obliteration techniques in cholesteatoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To evaluate the choice of techniques, safety and long-term outcome of mastoid obliteration and assess the place of imaging in the postoperative monitoring of residual cholesteatoma. RECENT FINDINGS: All recent reports on mastoid obliteration for the management of cholesteatoama were favourable. Long-term follow-up reports did not show problems arising from hidden cholesteatoma, even for the paediatric population. Non-EPI DW MR imaging has shown great promise in detecting residual cholesteatoma in obliterated cavities. SUMMARY: Canal wall down technique with primary mastoid obliteration for cholesteatoma has low recurrent and residual cholesteatoma rates. Most ears remained dry and waterproof on long-term follow-up.