About Cholesteatoma
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment to remove the destructive ear growth and prevent serious complications.Aims to preserve or restore hearing function through reconstruction techniques.Prevents the spread of infection to the brain or inner ear structures.Performed using advanced microscopic and endoscopic techniques for precision.Can often be completed in a single surgical session, though follow-up is essential.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of a cholesteatoma via otoscopic examination and CT scan.
- Persistent or recurrent ear drainage (otorrhea) that does not resolve with medication.
- Progressive conductive hearing loss due to erosion of the ossicles (hearing bones).li>
- Complications such as vertigo, facial nerve paralysis, or signs of intracranial spread.
- Presence of a retraction pocket in the eardrum that has accumulated skin debris.
How to prepare
- Complete audiological evaluation (hearing test) to establish a baseline.
- High-resolution CT scan of the temporal bone to map the extent of the disease.
- Pre-operative counseling to discuss surgical goals, risks, and the possibility of a two-stage procedure.
- Management of any active ear infection with antibiotic ear drops prior to surgery.
- Standard pre-anesthetic check-up, including blood tests and ECG, as advised.
- Fasting as instructed by the anesthesiologist, typically from midnight before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Altered taste or dryness in the mouth due to temporary stretching of the chorda tympani nerve.
- Hearing loss, which may be temporary or permanent, especially if the inner ear is involved.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) or dizziness, which usually subsides.
- Facial nerve weakness (very rare with modern techniques).
- Recurrence of the cholesteatoma, requiring further surgery.
- Infection, bleeding, or standard risks associated with anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically short, with discharge on the same day or after 1-2 days.
- The ear will be packed with dressing, which is removed after 1-2 weeks during a follow-up visit.
- Keep the ear absolutely dry; use a waterproof earplug while bathing.
- Avoid blowing the nose forcefully, heavy lifting, and air travel for a few weeks.
- Prescribed antibiotic ear drops and oral medications must be taken as directed.
- Follow-up appointments are critical for cleaning the ear canal and monitoring healing and hearing.
- Avoid swimming for at least 4-6 weeks or until cleared by the surgeon.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; full hearing stabilization may take 2-3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering cholesteatoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for cholesteatoma in India include Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, KMC Hospital Mangalore, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform cholesteatoma. MediFyr helps you compare ent specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for cholesteatoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 60 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; full hearing stabilization may take 2-3 months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 210 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; full hearing stabilization may take 2-3 months | Know More |
Top hospitals for Cholesteatoma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ent teams and experience managing patients undergoing cholesteatoma.
Vihaan Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Vihaan Patel, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had a history of chronic ear infections since childhood. Over the past year, he noticed a persistent feeling of fullness and pressure in his right ear, accompanied by a gradual, concerning hearing loss that made it difficult to hear his children. A foul-smelling discharge would occasionally appear, causing embarrassment. His ENT, Dr. Sharma, explained that a CT scan revealed a cholesteatoma, a non-cancerous but destructive skin growth behind his eardrum. Dr. Sharma recommended a tympanomastoidectomy to remove the growth and prevent it from damaging the delicate bones of hearing or spreading to the brain. Vihaan was anxious about the surgery and potential hearing outcomes. The procedure went smoothly, though the post-operative period involved weekly clinic visits for ear packing changes and strict instructions to keep his ear dry. After six months, his hearing improved significantly with the aid of a temporary tube, and the chronic infection cleared. Emotionally, Vihaan moved from fear and frustration about his declining hearing to immense relief and optimism. He felt he regained a vital connection to his family and work, freed from the constant discomfort and worry.
ENT Specialists for Cholesteatoma
Explore experienced ent specialists who regularly perform cholesteatoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 16 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 43 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 38 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 14 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 19 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- ENT Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore