Cholesteatoma is a difficult disease to treat as demonstrated by the relatively high recidivism rate attained by the best of surgeons. The concept of recidivism encompasses all reoccurrence of the disease, regardless of the theorized origins. This is a term that should be accepted so that some uniformity may be introduced into the evaluation of this disease. A standard reporting format that includes the extent of the disease, the eustachian tube function, the integrity of the ossicles, and a uniform description of the surgical procedure would enhance future evaluations of this disease. The future of otology still lies in finding new ways to eradicate this disease and to avoid recidivism.