Editorial: Cholesteatoma surgery: treatment outcome and follow up

By
Hans Thomeer
Paul Merkus
Nicolas Verhaert
Marc Lammers
April 17, 2026

Frontiers In Surgery

Objective:

To discuss the treatment outcomes and follow-up in cholesteatoma surgery, with a particular emphasis on hearing recovery and the exploration of innovative treatment approaches.

Approach:

Key Findings:

Suboptimal hearing recovery is common after cholesteatoma surgery, with many patients not achieving normal hearing levels.
Mastoid obliteration may reduce disease recurrence, suggesting a need for further investigation into its long-term benefits.
Innovative techniques like porphysomes could enhance treatment efficacy, warranting further clinical trials.

Interpretation:

While current surgical techniques show limited success in restoring hearing, emerging therapies, including innovative drug delivery methods, may offer new hope for improved outcomes.

Limitations:

The origin and etiology of cholesteatoma remain debated, with various theories lacking consensus.
Long-term postoperative follow-up data is still needed to establish definitive outcomes and validate treatment approaches.