Abstract
The original criteria for modifying a radical mastoidectomy were: (I) an intact pars tensa and a defective pars flaccid a with cholesteatoma; (2) normal or near normal hearing; and (3) an intact, functional ossicular chain. We propose a fourth criterion: that the cholesteatoma site be delineated lateral to the body of the incus. Control of the disease process is easily assured if the lesion is in that area. Our recommended fourth criterion is based on the results of a five-year study of fifty-two cases that met the original criteria. The cholesteatoma reoccurred in the middle ear in only one case. In six cases, periodic care is necessary because of retraction to the grafted attic area. The procedure and technique used in these patients and the excellent results are discussed in this article.
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