Cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that can damage hearing and nearby structures. Surgery is needed to remove the growth and prevent complications.

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The procedure:

• Done under general anaesthetic

• The surgeon accesses the middle ear through the ear canal or a cut behind the ear

• The cholesteatoma is carefully removed, along with any infected or damaged tissue

• May involve reconstructing the eardrum (tympanoplasty) or hearing bones (ossiculoplasty)

• In advanced cases, the mastoid bone (behind the ear) is cleaned out (mastoidectomy)
   

The surgery typically takes 2–5 hours, and follow-up is important to check for regrowth. The goal is to eliminate disease, protect hearing, and prevent serious complications.