Dehiscence of facial nerve at surgery of cholesteatoma

Introduction: Facial nerve dehiscence (FND) is a common problem at surgery of cholesteatoma: The aim of this study was survey of the common site of FND and the common complication of cholesteatoma that coexists with FND. Materials and Methods: This-cross sectional study was performed from ۲۰۰۱ to ۲۰۰۶. ۱۸۵ patients with cholesteatoma were studied. Middle ear Findings at surgery of cholesteatoma were surveyed. Data was analyzed using the k۲ and Fisher exact test. Results: Of ۱۸۵ cases, ۹۵ (۵۱.۴%) were male and ۹۰ (%۴۸.۶) were female and the mean age was ۳۰.۵ years. The rate of FND was ۲۹. ۷۳% (۵۵ cases). The commen site of FND was tympanic segment (۸۵.۴%). The positive statistically association between FND incidence and the presence of lateral semicircular fistula was demonstrated. Conclusion: The most common area of facial nerve injury at surgery of chlesteatoma is tympanic segment. Surgeons should always consider that fallopian canal will be eroded and the facial nerve is in direct contact with cholesteatoma whenever a lateral semicircular canal fistula is suspected or vice versa.

Keywords:

Facial nerve dehiscence , Cholesteatoma , Lateral semicircular canal fistula