Publication:

Merits and demerits of transcanal tympanoplasty: an observational study

Background Chronic suppurative otitis media characterized by ear discharge, membrane perforation and hearing impairment is a major cause of deafness in India. Tympanoplasty with or without mastoidectomy done by postaural, endaural or transcanal approach is the treatment. Each approach has its advantages and limitations. The transcanal approach is becoming more popular today. A detailed study on the merits and demerits of the transcanal approach to tympanoplasty could not be found in the literature. This study compares this with the postaural approach. The study is aimed to evaluate the merits and demerits of transcanal tympanoplasty.

Methods This study comparing transcanal versus postaural approach in tympanoplasty was carried out between April 2014 and April 2015 for 12 months. A total of 50 patients were divided into two groups (25 each in a group) and compared 11 parameters.

Results Out of 11 parameters, 5 showed a statistically significant difference between the two, favouring transcanal approach. However, surgical results were similar.

Conclusions Transcanal approach has more merits and fewer demerits than others for tympanoplasty, with equal hearing results.