Search Results (9)

Background: Mastoid obliteration following canal wall down mastoidectomy reduces cavity-related morbidity. Conventional obliteration materials act primarily as passive fillers, whereas tissue engineering (TE) strategies aim to achieve biologically active bone regeneration. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 2010 to December 2025. Studies evaluating tissue engineering-assisted mastoid obliteration involving growth factors, mesenchymal stem cells, polymer scaffolds, or 3D-printed constructs were included. Results: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria (12 preclinical and three clinical). Polymer-supported MSC constructs demonstrated the most consistent osteogenic enhancement in animal models. Clinical evidence remains limited to small PRP-based case series. Conclusions: Preliminary evidence suggests that tissue engineering-assisted mastoid obliteration has regenerative potential, although the evidence is limited by predominantly preclinical data and a moderate-to-high risk of bias. Standardized outcome measures and well-designed prospective clinical studies are required to confirm long-term safety and efficacy. Full article

Canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWD) effectively eradicates cholesteatoma and chronic otitis media but frequently results in a problematic open mastoid cavity. Mastoid obliteration aims to reduce cavity-related morbidity. Bioceramic materials, including hydroxyapatite (HA), tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and bioactive glass (BAG), have been increasingly adopted because of their osteoconductive, biocompatible, and antimicrobial properties. This systematic review evaluates the clinical outcomes and complications of bioceramic mastoid obliteration following CWD. A systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published between 2005 and 2025, following PRISMA guidelines. Clinical studies reporting outcomes of bioceramic mastoid obliteration after CWD were included. Thirteen clinical studies were included. HA-, TCP-, and BAG-based materials demonstrated high obliteration success rates (>90% in most series). BAG S53P4 was consistently associated with low infection rates and favorable epithelialization, whereas earlier HA cement formulations were occasionally associated with revision-requiring complications. Bioceramic scaffolds represent safe and effective materials for mastoid obliteration after CWD. BAG offers additional antibacterial advantages, while HA provides predictable volume stability. Further prospective and comparative studies are required to establish material superiority and long-term outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cholesteatoma is a destructive middle ear pathology that can cause chronic infection, ossicular erosion, and hearing loss. While surgical excision is the standard treatment, recurrence remains a major clinical challenge, and comprehensive data on long-term outcomes are limited. This meta-analysis evaluated cholesteatoma recurrence rates following surgery, identified clinical and surgical predictors of recurrence, and assessed trends across follow-up durations, techniques, and patient demographics. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar for relevant studies (CRD42024550351). Studies reporting postoperative recurrence were included. Data on demographics, surgical approach, cholesteatoma type, and outcomes were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled recurrence rates were calculated using random-effects models, and subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to identify predictors. Results: Eighty-four studies comprising 12,819 patients were included. The cholesteatoma recurrence rate showed geographic variability. Recurrence was higher in children (13%) than adults (10%), and in acquired (12%) versus congenital (7%) cholesteatoma. Advanced-stage disease, left-sided lesions, and revision surgeries increased recurrence risk. Canal wall down had lower recurrence (7%) than canal wall up techniques (16%). Adjuncts such as mastoid obliteration, ossicular reconstruction, and planned second-look surgeries reduced recurrence. Cumulative recurrence reached 39% at 15 years and 33% at 25 years. Meta-regression identified age, staged procedures, and second-look surgeries as independent predictors. Conclusions: Cholesteatoma recurrence is influenced by age, surgical approach, and disease severity. CWD procedures and comprehensive surgical planning reduce recurrence risk. Long-term follow-up and standardized outcome definitions are essential to improve monitoring and disease control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mastoid obliteration (MO) after canal wall down (CWD) tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma (COMC) enables simultaneous surgical management of the pathology and shaping of a new external ear canal (EEC) that is similar to the natural one. The aim of the present work is to describe the results of a new MO technique that involves using homologous bone (HB) material and a Palva flap (“Cupeta technique”). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 12 patients undergoing MO for COMC, either during the same operation or in a second-time surgery after CWD. The surgical technique, patient demographics, audiometric data, the EEC volume, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: The MO technique resulted in good outcomes in terms of healing at three months after surgery. Fewer clinical complications were observed compared with similar MO methods described in the literature. HB reabsorption was observed in two patients and was defined as only partial. Measurements of the EEC volume were normal in all patients. The preoperative and postoperative hearing thresholds were similar. Conclusions: Performing MO with the Cupeta technique after CWD is a suitable surgical management method for COMC and demonstrates good clinical postoperative results. We plan to conduct further studies with a longer follow-up and a larger group of patients in order to confirm our findings. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the results of the mastoid obliteration technique with sticky bone (SB) and compare them with those obtained using bioactive glass S53P4 (BAG). Methods: This prospective preliminary study comprised 28 adults who underwent canal wall down (CWD) surgery using two mastoid obliterative techniques: SB (n = 21) or BAG (n = 7). The SB group was treated with the patients’ own bone dust and injectable platelet rich fibrin (IPRF) (n = 13%) or bone dust, IPRF, and additionally allogenic lyophilised demineralised bone (n = 9%). Results: Nine months after the surgery, in the SB group, retroauricular depression was observed in three (14%) patients, temporary retroauricular fistula in one (5%), and a conical and smooth external auditory canal (EAC) was achieved in 15 (71%). Mean EAC capacity was 0.6 mL higher than in the contralateral ear. In the SB group, the tympanic membrane (TM) of nineteen (91%) patients was fully healed, one (5%) had TM perforation, and one (5%) developed a retraction pocket. In the BAG group, retroauricular depression was observed in four (57%) patients, temporary retroauricular fistula was present in one (14%), and a conical and smooth EAC was achieved in five (71%). Mean EAC capacity was 0.3 mL higher than on the opposite side. In the BAG group, we stated six (86%) patients with fully healed TM and one (14%) with a retraction pocket. One cholesteatoma was found in the BAG group and two in SB, (14% vs. 10%). After 9 months, all patients in both groups achieved a dry and self-cleaning cavity. Conclusions: Mastoid obliteration in CWD surgery using SB or BAG allows for reconstruction of the conical shape of the EAC with a volume similar to that of a healthy ear. Both techniques seem to have a minimal risk of complications and result in a dry, self-cleaning cavity. Further studies concerning a larger series of cases are necessary to confirm the findings of this preliminary analysis. Full article

Background: The subtotal petrosectomy procedure may be useful for cochlear implantation in selected patient groups. Although it is highly effective, complications can arise, which may have economic implications for the patient due to the high cost of the device. Therefore, several authors have attempted to identify the most effective concept for obliteration. Methods: We present a pilot descriptive study of application techniques for obliterating cavities after subtotal petrosectomy using a temporoparietal fascial flap (TPFF) modified with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (IPRF+) for three cochlear implant (CI) patients. Results: Our concept preserves important anatomical structures, such as the temporalis muscle, which covers the CI receiver–stimulator. Injection of IPRF+ also increases the available tissue volume for obliteration and enhances its anti-inflammatory and regenerative potential. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, the use of TPFF for filling the cavity has not been adopted for CI with SP and for blind sac closure. Our literature review and our experience with this small group of patients suggest that this procedure, when combined with IPRF+ injections, may reduce the risk of potential infection in the obliterated cavity, particularly when used with CI. This technique is applicable only in cases when the surgeons are convinced that the middle ear cavity is purged of cholesteatoma. Full article

Objective: To evaluate factors that influence the rate of cholesteatoma recurrence (growth of new retraction cholesteatoma) in children. Methods: Review of children with primary acquired or congenital cholesteatoma. Severity was classified by extent and EAONO-JOS stage, and surgery by SAMEO-ATO. Primary outcome measure was 5-year recurrence rate using Kaplan–Meier or Cox regression analysis. Results: Median age was 10.7 years for 408 cholesteatomas from which 64 recurred. Median follow up was 4.6 years (0–13.5 years) with 5-year recurrence rate of 16% and 10-year of 29%. Congenital cholesteatoma (n = 51) had 15% 5-year recurrence. Of 216 pars tensa cholesteatomas, 5-year recurrence was similar at 14%, whereas recurrence from 100 pars flaccida cholesteatomas was more common at 23% (log-rank, p = 0.001). Sub-division of EAONO-JOS Stage 2 showed more recurrence in those with than without mastoid cholesteatoma (22.1% versus 10%), with more in Stage 3 (31.9%; p = 0.0003). Surgery without mastoidectomy, including totally endoscopic ear surgery, had 11% 5-year recurrence. Canal wall-up tympanomastoidectomy (CWU) and canal wall-down/mastoid obliteration both had 23% 5-year recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed increased recurrence for EAONO-JOS Stage 3 (HR 5.1; CI: 1.4–18.5) at risk syndromes (HR 2.88; 1.1–7.5) and age < 7 years (HR 1.9; 1.1–3.3), but not for surgical category or other factors. Conclusion: Young age and more extensive cholesteatoma increase the risk of recurrent cholesteatoma in children. When controlling for these factors, surgical approach does not have a significant effect on this outcome. Other objectives, such as lower post-operative morbidity and better hearing outcome, may prove to be more appropriate parameters for selecting optimal surgical approach in children. Full article

Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure for the treatment of chronic otitis media. This study investigated the ability of rat stromal vascular fraction cells (rSVF) in combination with polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds and osteogenic differentiation-enhancing blood products to promote the regeneration of mastoid bone defect. Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided according to obliteration materials: (1) control, (2) PCL scaffold only, (3) rSVFs + PCL, (4) rSVFs + PCL + platelet-rich plasma, and (5) rSVFs + PCL + whole plasma (WP). At 7 months after transplantation, the rSVFs + PCL + WP group showed remarkable new bone formation in the mastoid. These results indicate that SVFs, PCL scaffolds, and blood products accelerate bone regeneration for mastoid reconstruction. Autologous SVF cells with PCL scaffolds and autologous blood products are promising composites for mastoid reconstruction which can be easily harvested after mastoidectomy. With this approach, the reconstruction of mastoid bone defects can be performed right after mastoidectomy as a one-step procedure which can offer efficiency in the clinical field. Full article

This study presents the preliminary results of a new otosurgical method in patients after canal wall down (CWD) surgery; it involves the implantation of the Bonebridge BCI 602 implant after obliteration of the mastoid cavity with S53P4 bioactive glass. The study involved eight adult patients who had a history of chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma in one or both ears and who had had prior radical surgery. The mean follow-up period was 12 months, with routine follow-up visits according to the schedule. The analysis had two aspects: a surgical aspect in terms of healing, development of bacterial flora, the impact on the inner ear or labyrinth, recurrence of cholesteatoma, and possible postoperative complications (firstly, after obliteration of the mastoid cavity with S53P4 bioactive glass, then after implantation). The second was an audiological aspect which assessed audiometric results and the patient’s satisfaction based on questionnaires. During the follow-up period, we did not notice any serious postoperative complications. Studies demonstrated significantly improved hearing thresholds and speech recognition in quiet and noise using the Bonebridge BCI 602. Data collected after six months of use showed improved audiological thresholds and patient satisfaction. Based on the preliminary results, we believe that the proposed two-stage surgical method using bioactive glass S53P4 is a safe and effective way of implanting the Bonebridge BCI 602 in difficult anatomical conditions. This makes it possible to treat a larger group of patients with the device. Full article