We present our experience with the surgical treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma by the canal wall down technique from 1990 till1999. The therapeutic effect was evaluated according to the recurrence, hearing results and discharge. The second look operation was carried in 21% due to cholesteatoma. The gain was 45%, the average value making 5 dB and 13 dB at the 4 kHz level and other frequencies, respectivelly.

        Key words: cholesteatoma, open trepanation cavity.