Combined Access Closed Tympanomastoidectomy: Microsurgery Allied to Endoscopy

Patients with cholesteatoma and medical indication of closed tympanomastoidectomy will be randomized into two groups. In the first group, microsurgical tympanomastoidectomy will be performed; while combined technique will be performed in the other group. The combined technique improves the visualization of the middle ear canal and the mastoid. Herewith, the best visualization of the surgical site facilitates the full removal of the cholesteatoma. In addition to that, the combined technique is less invasive than the standard one, since less bone debridement is required to access the surgical site. The outcomes of the study will be evaluated through follow up medical appointments and exams. The patients will be followed by monthly medical appointments with otoscopic evaluations for diagnose of possible recurrence of the disease or residual cholesteatoma. Also, audiometry exams will be performed in the third, sixth and twelfth months. Image exams such as nuclear magnetic resonance may be performed at the end of this period to evaluate relapse of the disease if the otoscopic evaluation is inconclusive.