Publication:

Graft uptake and post-operative hearing outcome with type-I tympanoplasty in dry versus wet ear: a comparative study

Background The discharging ear presents the otologist with the dilemma of operating on it or not. This study is being undertaken to study and compare the results of type I tympanoplasty in dry ear (no ear discharge at the time of surgery) and wet ear (culture negative consistent ear discharge at the time of surgery).

Methods 50 patients of either sex aged between 18 to 50 years undergoing type-I tympanoplasty were included in the study on the basis of pre-determined clinical criteria. Type I tympanoplasty was performed using temporalis fascia graft by underlay technique. Post-operative data regarding graft uptake and hearing improvement was recorded in the follow up period of three months.

Results The complete graft uptake was there in 88% of the patients in group 1 and 84% patients in group 2. The difference in the two groups was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The mean pre-operative pure tone average in group 1 was 30.57±7.80 dB while post-operative pure tone average was 20.68±8.22 dB with a mean hearing gain of 9.89 dB. The mean pre-operative pure tone average in group 2 was 35.21±5.98 dB while the post-operative pure tone average was 27.07±9.25 dB with a mean hearing gain of 8.12 dB. There was marked hearing improvement in both the groups post operatively (p 0.05).

Conclusions The outcome is equally good for type 1 tympanoplasty in dry and wet ear in safe (mucosal) type of chronic suppurative otitis media with respect to graft uptake and hearing improvement.