RE: received his second opinion

February 10, 2004

Hi

I had CWD surgery involving three procedures in 1999, where the surgeon

went through the canal. I had a Radical Modified Mastoidectomy,

Tympanoplasty and Ossiculoplasty; with him going in through the canal, I

ended up with a slightly larger than normal canal entrance, but only had

six external stitches. Though I've had tons of ear infections since my

surgery, I've not had a recurrence of cholesteatoma.

My thoughts are with at this difficult time.

Kazz

xx

received his second opinion

Well we got our second opinion today and are confused in a way. This

doctor went in and cleaned out the ear and then talked to us. He does

his entrance in the front thru the cancel while the surgeon we are

scheduled with does it behind the ear. This doctor said it is just a

difference in they way they were taught. The first doctor said he goes

behind the ear to make sure he can remove all the cholesteatoma. The

doctor we saw today said that both procedures resulted in about the same

pain, time off work etc. I would like to hear anyone's opinion on which

way is best. This new doctor also suggested putting a tube in 's

ear for any future pressure and drainage issues. I do agree with that.

He said the doctor we had chosen should do a fine job, as he knows him,

and the fact that the new surgeon is over an hour away he thought we

should just stay with our original doctor. I would like to see them go

though the cannel but is convinced, as the first doctor told us,

to get it all out I need to go though the back?? Your experiences and

thoughts are most welcome. Thanks again for the support!!

February 11, 2004

Thanks for the update! Based solely on MY experience, I am glad my

doctor went from behind the ear for my surgery. He is the

specialist in this area for cholesteatoma, so I trusted his

judgement. He told me that they get the best look when they can

open the ear from behind, therefore assuring they get all of the

cholesteatoma. Sometimes the ctoma can grow and curve around things

that you can't see completely through the ear canal. He also

mentioned they are able to get the mastoid and surrounding area

much 'cleaner' from behind the ear, preventing future infection or

regrowth in that area. I guess I just feel more comfortable having

had the surgery behind the ear --- it turned out there WAS

cholesteatoma growth higher up than the CT scan suggested (my doc was

surprised, but he said that is exactly the reason why they do that

type of procedure -- to make sure they found/diagnosed/removed

everything........he may have discovered it going through the ear

canal, but who knows. Personally, I am more comfortable knowing he

got a better look by going behind the ear)

On the other hand, I would bet that people have had good experiences

going through the ear canal and feel confident about it;

good luck with your decision, whatever it turns out to be!

carrie

ps/If you are REALLY struggling with what to do, it might be a good

idea to get a third opinion to be the 'tie-breaker' and then either

go back to the first surgeon or whomever you feel most comfortable

with.

> Well we got our second opinion today and are confused in a way. This

> doctor went in and cleaned out the ear and then talked to us. He

> does his entrance in the front thru the cancel while the surgeon we

> are scheduled with does it behind the ear. This doctor said it is

> just a difference in they way they were taught. The first doctor

> said he goes behind the ear to make sure he can remove all the

> cholesteatoma. The doctor we saw today said that both procedures

> resulted in about the same pain, time off work etc. I would like to

> hear anyone's opinion on which way is best. This new doctor also

> suggested putting a tube in 's ear for any future pressure and

> drainage issues. I do agree with that. He said the doctor we had

> chosen should do a fine job, as he knows him, and the fact that the

> new surgeon is over an hour away he thought we should just stay with

> our original doctor. I would like to see them go though the cannel

> but is convinced, as the first doctor told us, to get it all

> out I need to go though the back?? Your experiences and thoughts are

> most welcome. Thanks again for the support!!

February 11, 2004

Thanks Kazz for your support. I think he wants to stay in town just

in case something happens. I appreicate you sharing your experiance

with us. We will keep you posted. Karla

> Well we got our second opinion today and are confused in a way.

This