Huettenbrink, Karl-Bernd (2019). A new theory interprets the development of a retraction pocket as a natural self-healing process. Eur. Arch. Oto-Rhino-Laryn., 276 (2). S. 367 - 374. NEW YORK: SPRINGER. ISSN 1434-4726

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

PurposeThe thesis that cholesteatoma evolves from a retraction pocket is widely accepted today. Yet, its prime etiology, the question of what triggers the invagination of healthy skin, still remains unclear despite centuries of investigations into the origin of cholesteatoma. A new idea interprets the horizontal migration of skin into the middle ear cavities as a self-healing process, curing an underlying inflammation in the tympanic cavity, through the overgrowth and contact with immunologically active tissue.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the interrelation of retraction pockets and underlying granulation tissue was conducted in 209 second-look cholesteatoma surgeries over the last decade.ResultsA stable tympanic membrane over aerated, healthy middle ear mucosa was found in 71.3% of cases. In 11%, small retractions with air in other parts of the middle ear cleft (epitympanic, sinus or anterior mesotympanum) were described. In 6.2%, granulations under a retraction were found. Only 3.8% of the reports revealed air behind a retraction or did not provide enough information on the mucosa situation behind the drum membrane.ConclusionsA new hypothesis interprets the origin of a retraction pocketthe precursor of a cholesteatomaas a natural attempt by the body to cure an underlying inflammation in a cavity. Analogous phenomena exist, e.g. the migration of the omentum towards a local inflammation in the abdomen. This idea, which is supported by the findings in our 209 second-look surgeries, is the first explanation of the origin of retraction pockets that is compatible with the various characteristics of original or recurrent cholesteatoma. A prophylaxis against a recurrent cholesteatoma might be attained by securing free drainage of the mucosa into the tubal orifice with the use of thin silicone foils in an attempt to prevent any granulation in the middle ear cleft, similar to the principles of modern rhinosinusoidal surgery with its emphasis on unblocked mucosa clearance. This allows gas production in the healed middle ear mucosa to recover, reducing the risk of a recurrent retraction.

Item Type: Journal Article
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCIDORCID Put Code
Huettenbrink, Karl-BerndUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
URN: urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-157568
DOI: 10.1007/s00405-018-5246-3
Journal or Publication Title: Eur. Arch. Oto-Rhino-Laryn.
Volume: 276
Number: 2
Page Range: S. 367 - 374
Date: 2019
Publisher: SPRINGER
Place of Publication: NEW YORK
ISSN: 1434-4726
Language: English
Faculty: Unspecified
Divisions: Unspecified
Subjects: no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:
KeywordsLanguage
HUMAN MIDDLE-EAR; ACQUIRED-CHOLESTEATOMA; SECRETORY OTITIS; PATHOGENESIS; VENTILATION; MIGRATION; SINUSMultiple languages
OtorhinolaryngologyMultiple languages
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/15756

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

Altmetric

Export

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item