What can we learn from precise reporting of residual disease after various types of cholesteatoma surgery using STAM areas?

Surgery type is a determining factor not only in residual disease rate, but also in localisation of residual disease. Both the efficacy and safety of obliteration is underlined. Standardised reporting of residuals utilising STAM areas, including specification of overlapping areas and remote residuals, will facilitate comparative research on surgical factors influencing residual disease, while providing useful insights for otologic surgeons.