Key points:
- We report labyrinthine fistulas in 15% of middle ear cholesteatomas
that underwent mastoidectomies.
- We observe that preoperative HCRT had 93% sensitivity and 95%
specificity in the identification of LFs.
- Intraoperative findings include erosion of 79% stapes, 93% incus,
79% malleus and dehiscence in 29% tegmen tympani and 64% tympanic
facial canal.
- Significantly higher incidence of stapes erosion and tegmen dehiscence
observed in cholesteatomas with labyrinthine fistulas compared to
without.
- 6 out of 8 patients with complete matrix removal and fistula repair
did not have a change in hearing. Hence it is possible to preserve
hearing with complete matrix removal.