The feasibility of the retrofacial approach to the pediatric sinus tympani.

Abstract

To investigate the feasibility of the retrofacial approach to the pediatric sinus tympani (ST). Five pediatric cholesteatoma cases, 10 pediatric and 24 adult normal specimens were studied retrospectively using high-resolution CT measurements in our university hospital. The normal pediatric and adult specimens also underwent temporal bone dissections. CT measurements included the depth (d-ST) and the width (w-ST) of ST, the distance (F-PSC) from the facial canal to the posterior semicircular canal, and the distance (P-ST) from the depth of ST on a line perpendicular to the F-PSC line. There were no significant differences in any measurements between pediatric and adult normal specimens and between pediatric diseased and normal specimens (P > 0.05). The retrofacial approach performed in pediatric specimens was no more complex than in adult specimens. F-PSC>3.0 mm and P-ST<2.0 mm provided an accessible approach to the pediatric ST. The retrofacial approach can be used in selected pediatric cases. This approach plays its individual role to eradicate cholesteatoma in a difficult-to-reach pediatric ST. B-2.