Surgery for chronic otitis media in the elderly

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of surgery for chronic otitis media in elderly patients, compared to younger adults and children. Methods: Patients with chronic otitis media with and without cholesteatoma formation were assessed. Patients aged 65 years and older were included and compared to adults aged 35–55 and to children. Effectiveness was evaluated by comparing postoperative dry and safe ears in ages groups, safety was assessed by comparing postoperative adverse events. Results: Postoperative success and adverse events did not differ between age groups. Children had more recurrent cholesteatoma than adults. No difference in recurrent cholesteatoma between adults was observed. Conclusion: Surgical treatment for chronic otitis media with and without cholesteatoma in elderly patients is safe and effective. Age has no influence on postoperative adverse events and treatment outcomes in chronic otitis media. Cholesteatoma recurrence was not different between adult age groups.