ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of transcanal tympanoplasty surgery performed using a cartilage-perichondrium composite graft.

Forty patients were included in this study. Their tympanic membrane (TM) perforations were limited to one quadrant, and there was a longterm hearing loss. All patients who had undergone surgery had a dry ear for at least 6 months. All patients had undergone transcanal tympanoplasty surgery with the cartilage-perichondrium composite graft, and the success of the surgery was evaluated by physical examination and audiological evaluation after 6 months of surgery.

After the surgery, 35 (87.5%) patients had an intact tympanic membrane. There was a statistically significant decrease in the air–bone gap of patients’ hearing levels (mean preoperative hearing level, 21.29 dB; mean postoperative hearing level, 13.23 dB; p<0.01).

Cartilage-perichondrium composite graft usage with transcanal tympanoplasty surgery takes shorter time than other methods. The procedure shows less morbidity because of no disruption of the normal anatomy, absence of a big and visible incision, and no elevation of the tympanometal flap. Also, the mean hospitalization time is lesser; we had similar success with the standard tympanoplasty procedures. (JAREM 2015; 5: 107-9)

Keywords: Cartilage, perichondrium, tympanic membrane