Publication:

Comparison of outcomes of palisade cartilage with temporalis fascia following tympanoplasty at a tertiary care centre in Nepal

Background Mucosal type of chronic otitis media is a common disease worldwide with 5.2% prevalence in Nepal. Cartilage material is criticized in terms of hearing results due to its thickness. The objective of this study was to compare graft uptake and post-operative hearing of palisade cartilage with temporalis fascia following tympanoplasty.

Methods A prospective randomized study conducted over 12 months included subjects of chronic otitis media mucosal inactive having dry ear for at least 4 weeks. 76 subjects were enrolled and reviewed on 6th post-operative day, 6th and 12th post-operative week. The graft uptake and post-operative hearing were evaluated. The results were compared within and between the groups.

Results The graft uptake on 42nd and 90th post-operative days were comparable with no statistical difference. The difference of mean pre-operative, 42nd and 90th post-operative air bone gaps in palisade cartilage and temporalis fascia were also comparable. The results were statistically significant, showing improvement in hearing after surgery. Closure of air-bone gap within 30 dB was achieved in 71.87% in temporalis fascia and 88.89% in palisade cartilage. The intergroup difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions The graft uptake rates and hearing results after palisade cartilage are similar to temporalis fascia.