Objective: To investigate the feasibility of the retrofacial approach to the pediatric sinus tympani (ST).
Study design and setting: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: The retrofacial approach can be used in selected pediatric cases.
Significance: This approach plays its individual role to eradicate cholesteatoma in a difficult-to-reach pediatric ST.
Ebm rating: B-2.