[Cholesteatoma and petro-mastoid excision. Indications and results apropos of 36 cases].

An open operative technique was used in 36 (38%) of 95 patients with chronic cholesteatomatous otitis followed up by the same surgeon between 1986 and 1990. Although a good anatomical result was obtained in 88% of cases the functional result was less evident, since 57% of patients were left with a liminal tonal loss of less than 30 décibels. The reasons for using an open technique are analyzed, but in only 5% of cases could the possibility of using a closed technique be envisaged, making the classical discussion between open and closed methods of treatments of only academic interest. Petromastoidian evidement with reorganization of the cavity is considered to be effective therapy for cholesteatoma, but indications and technical procedures must be adhered to strictly.