Surgical decision-making in cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistula: hearing outcomes in a tertiary referral center

To evaluate surgical outcomes in patients with cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistula, with particular emphasis on hearing preservation across different fistula stages and in selected cases requiring partial labyrinthectomy.

Surgeons managing cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistula can reference this tertiary-center series for comparative hearing outcomes, but practice changes should await larger prospective studies.

Cholesteatoma with labyrinthine fistula is a high-stakes surgical challenge; outcome data from referral centers help guide decision-making on matrix preservation versus removal.

1. 01Study focuses on surgical outcomes for cholesteatoma that has eroded into the labyrinth (inner ear).
2. 02Hearing preservation rates and surgical decision frameworks are reported from a tertiary referral center.
3. 03Retrospective center-based design limits generalisability.
4. 04Published in European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology.
5. 05Relevant to otologists, ENT surgeons, and audiologists involved in pre/post-surgical audiometry.

PMID

42086995

DOI

10.1007/s00405-026-10243-7.

Journal

European Archives of Otorhinolaryngology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Patients with cholesteatoma-induced labyrinthine fistula treated at a tertiary referral center

Intervention

Surgical management of labyrinthine fistula secondary to cholesteatoma

Comparator

Different surgical decision strategies (e.g., matrix preservation vs. removal)