Cholesteatoma prevention by local treatment with vitamin A

In view of the proven effectiveness of vitamin A for the treatment of hyperkeratosis, it was hypothesized that vitamin A may also be a feasible therapeutic option for cholesteatoma, which has similar histologic features. Cholesteatoma is a major cause of chronic ear disease, often requiring surgery. The recurrence rate may exceed 20%. Hyperkeratosis is a major sequela of tympanomastoid surgery, causing chronic ear hygiene problems. The external auditory canals of 40 Mongolian gerbils were ligated to induce cholesteatomas. The ears were divided into three groups by type of treatment: group I, vitamin A drops (n = 40); group II, Cortisporin drops (n = 20); group III, no treatment (control subjects) (n = 20). Examination for the development and grade of cholesteatomas was performed after 9 months. Cholesteatomas developed in 26 ears (65%) of group I, 12 ears (60%) of group II, and 20 ears (100%) of group III. The differences were significant between groups I and III and groups II and III for both rate of cholesteatomas and severity of grade. There were no significant differences between groups I and II. Local treatment reduces the risk of cholesteatomas in ligated gerbilline ears. Cortisporin and vitamin A are equally effective as local treatments.