Learning Objectives: 1. Describe a systematic approach for the surgical management of CSOM and cholesteatoma 2. Explain management options for challenging intraoperative findings 3. Discuss the decision making process on staging surgery.

Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and cholesteatoma are perhaps the most common surgical conditions encountered by the otologist. Surgical management is challenging because of the variability in the extent of the disease and the potential for recurrence. In this presentation, I will present a systematic approach to the surgical management of CSOM and cholesteatoma. In addition, the management of particularly challenging intraoperative findings and potential solutions will be discussed. Finally, the decision process for staging surgery will be discussed.