Learn about Cholesteatoma Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Cholesteatoma and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma surgery is a specialized ENT procedure performed to remove an abnormal, non-cancerous skin growth in the middle ear behind the eardrum. This growth, called a cholesteatoma, can erode the delicate bones of hearing and potentially spread to cause serious complications like hearing loss, dizziness, facial nerve weakness, or intracranial infections. The primary goal of the surgery is to completely eradicate the cholesteatoma sac, prevent recurrence, and preserve or reconstruct hearing structures. Depending on the extent of the disease, the surgeon may perform a tympanoplasty (eardrum repair) and/or ossiculoplasty (reconstruction of the hearing bones) during the same operation. This procedure is crucial for halting progressive damage and restoring ear health.

Key Highlights

    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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
  • checked 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.

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.

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1681+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Dwarka

  • IconDelhi, India
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2478+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jayanagar

  • IconBangalore, India
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91+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

  • IconBangalore, India
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1837+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salem

  • IconSalem, India
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5734+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Siliguri

  • IconSiliguri, India
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98+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

  • IconBangalore, India
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65+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

  • IconKolkata, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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12320+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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185+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Ranchi

  • IconRanchi, India
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872+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Millers Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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418+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Hebbal

  • IconBangalore, India
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156+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Patiala

  • IconPatiala, India
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181+ Rating

KMC Hospital Mangalore

  • IconMangalore, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Muthu kumar s
  • 16 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

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Dr. Gayatri Pandit
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

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Dr. Diptarka Bhattacharyya
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. J Jayabaskar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shalina Ray
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anitha Kumari AM
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vijay Rangachari
  • 21 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Alok Banka
  • 18 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. EV Raman
  • 43 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Girish Rai
  • 38 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Bathi Reddy
  • 36 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anitha Kumari AM
  • 24 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Satish Nair
  • 29 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Parvinderjit Singh Kohli
  • 20 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishal Sharma
  • 10 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Praveen Kumar R
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

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Dr. Dathathri HA
  • 14 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore

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Dr. Arun Raykar N Raykar
  • 19 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Shalini Bansal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Shanthala MN
  • 26 Years Experience
  • ENT Specialist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated