Evaluation of Long-term Cholesteatoma Recidivism: Using the JOS, EAONO-JOS, and STAMCO Cholesteatoma Staging Systems

Otol Neurotol. 2021 Aug 1;42(7):1031-1038. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003150.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prognostic value of the Japanese Otological Society (JOS), EAONO-JOS, and STAMCO classifications in predicting the severity of acquired cholesteatoma and to identify other factors that could influence residual and recurrent cholesteatoma, as well as adverse events (AE).

Method: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing primary cholesteatoma surgery in our tertiary referral center. Primary outcome measures were based on three groups of follow-up (FU): Group A, studying residual cholesteatoma, FU > 52 weeks of last-look surgery or magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging; group B, studying recurrent disease, FU > 52 weeks of last outpatient clinic visit; and group C, studying AE, FU > 12 weeks after surgery. Cholesteatomata were staged according to the JOS, EAONO-JOS, and STAMCO classifications. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to determine the prognostic value of the various classifications and to identify other determining factors, while correcting for FU.

Results: FU was found to be a significant confounder. No correlation was found between staging and the occurrence of residual or recurrent disease, nor the occurrence of AE. Type of surgery was a significant determinant of all three primary outcome measures. A higher age was associated with a lower risk of residual disease.

Conclusion: In our population the JOS, EAONO-JOS, and STAMCO classifications have limited prognostic value. Three main confounders were identified that pose a challenge in developing a universal classification: FU, surgery type, and age. Cholesteatoma staging should be postponed until a system is developed which significantly correlates cholesteatoma stage to cholesteatoma severity, to have implications for management strategies.

MeSH terms

  • Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear* / diagnostic imaging
  • Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Nigeria
  • Prognosis
  • Recidivism*
  • Retrospective Studies