Tympanoplasty in children. The Boston Children's Hospital experience

Predictors of Surgical Success and Hearing Outcomes in Endoscopic Cartilage Tympanoplasty: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study

Endoscopic tympanoplasty provides superior surgical capabilities compared with microscopic technique. We aimed to investigate the surgical and functional success rates of endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty and identify the predictors of poor outcomes. We analyzed the data for all patients who underwent endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty at Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services, Military hospital between March 2014 and April 2024. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics were analyzed. Inclusion criteria included patients with chronic otitis media and dry, stable TM perforations. Exclusions were active otitis media, perforations caused by trauma or cholesteatoma, and cases requiring mastoidectomy. Surgical success was defined as TM graft closure six months postoperatively, and functional hearing success was determined by achieving postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB. A total of 132 patients (72 males, 60 females; mean age: 34.77 ± 16.2 years) were included. The overall surgical success rate was 81.8%, with variations across age groups. Central perforations were the most common (51.5%) and had an 81% success rates. Audiological outcomes showed significant ABG closure, with a mean pre-operative ABG of 16.34 ± 9.4 dB reducing to 9.15 ± 10.0 dB post-operatively (p < 0.001), resulting in an average ABG reduction of 7.19 ± 9.8 dB. Social hearing (ABG ≤ 20 dB) was achieved in 91% of cases. Binary logistic regression identified smoking, granulation tissue, and age < 12 years as significant predictors of graft failure. Endoscopic technique demonstrates high surgical and functional success rates. Smoking, granulation tissue, and younger age negatively impacted outcomes emphasizing the importance of patient selection in optimizing results.

Comparison of porcine small intestinal submucosa and autologous graft material for repairing tympanic membrane perforation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the effectiveness of porcine small intestinal submucosa (pSIS) compared with autologous grafts for tympanic membrane perforation repair.

METHODS

A prospective meta-analysis protocol was registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) on June 5th, 2024, under protocol CRD42024551979. PubMed, Embase/Ovid and Cochrane Central databases were searched from inception to 28/05/2024 for studies comparing the use of pSIS versus autologous grafts (perichondrium, cartilage, temporalis fascia or cartilage-perichondrium) for tympanic membrane perforation repair. The outcomes evaluated were persistent perforation after surgery, operative time and hearing outcome. Statistical analyses were performed using the online Review Manager (Cochrane Collaboration). A subgroup analyses were carried out for the paediatric population.

RESULTS

We included 1,407 patients (1447 ears) from seven records; six retrospective cohort studies and one randomised controlled trial (RCT). pSIS graft was used in 563 ear surgeries (38.1%). Four studies included children with a mean age ranging from 7.3 to 11.7 years and the other 3 studies included adults with a mean age ranging from 30.8 to 48.4 years. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 132 months. There was no statistically significant difference in the failure rate (persistent perforation) between pSIS graft and autologous graft (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.67-1.33; p = 0.76). However, reduced operative time was associated with using pSIS grafts (MD -16.12 min; 95% CI -22.94-9.31; p = < 0.00001).

CONCLUSION

Tympanic membrane perforation repair with pSIS grafts had a similar failure rate and hearing outcome compared to autologous grafts and demonstrated an association with reduced operative time.

Comparison of Graft Uptake in Perforated Eardrums with and without Myringosclerosis: A Prospective Case-control Study in a Tertiary Centre

Introduction  Various factors have been reported to affect the rates of success after tympanoplasty, among them, myringosclerosis. However, there are few studies focusing only on the effect of myringosclerotic plaque removal on tympanoplasty outcomes. Objective  To compare the outcome of tympanoplasty in perforated eardrums with and without myringosclerosis. Methods  The study included patients aged between 21 and 53 years diagnosed at the outpatient department with inactive mucosal chronic otitis media. The sample was divided into the case group, which included subjects with tympanic membrane perforation and myringosclerosis, and the control group, which included subjects with tympanic membrane perforation only, without myringosclerosis. We assessed the audiological findings of the patients before and after surgery, as well as hearing gain, graft uptake, and residual perforation/reperforation. Results  No significant relationships were observed involving the age or sex of the patient and the closure rate or hearing gain, neither between the location of the perforation and graft uptake. Graft uptake was higher in patients with perforation size < 50%. The graft uptake and hearing gain were higher in the case group. Conclusion  The removal of sclerotic plaques increases the surface of the raw area created by subepithelial excision of the myringosclerotic plaques, leading to a high rate of surgical success for the closure of tympanic membrane defects with coexisting myringosclerosis.

Role of Topical Estrogen in Outcomes of Myringoplasty: Does it Really Affect the Results of Graft Success and Hearing Thresholds?

The tympanic membrane forms a barrier between the external auditory canal and the middle ear. In the inactive mucosal type of chronic otitis media, there is a perforation in the tympanic membrane which is surgically managed by Myringoplasty. Estrogen as a growth factor has been shown to have a mitogenic effect on keratinocytes thus hastening the rate of epithelialization following injury. This property of estrogen is being studied in this study for its role in the outcomes of myringoplasty. This study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2022 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, of a tertiary teaching hospital in North India. Patients were assessed by history, examination, otoscopy, Audiometry, and oto-endoscopy. A total of 88 patients were taken out of which 44 patients underwent myringoplasty in which topical estrogen (estradiol valerate solution) was used, and the remaining 44 patients were taken as controls. Patients were then assessed post-operatively based on Audiometry results and graft uptake status. In the estrogen group successful Graft uptake was in seen 40 (90.9%) patients and failed in 4 (9.1%), while in the control group, it was successful in 37 (84.1%) patients and failed in 7 (15.9%), statistically there was no significant difference between two groups in terms of graft uptake (p value = 0.334). Post-operatively, in the estrogen group, the mean change in Air Conduction (AC) was 15.5 dB, the change in the air-bone gap (ABG) was 11.5 dB and for Bone Conduction (BC) it was 3.2 dB. However, in the control group mean post-operative changes in Air Conduction, Air-Bone Gap, and Bone Conduction were 12 dB, 10.7 dB, and 0.8 dB respectively. Statistically, there was a significant difference in postoperative changes in AC (p value = 0.011) and BC (p value = 0.009) between the two groups. There was no significant difference in post-operative changes in Air-Bone Gap (p value = 0.571). Topical Estrogen (Estradiol valerate) solution is cost-effective, with enriched growth factors that accelerate tympanic membrane perforation closure following myringoplasty and resulted in significant improvement in hearing thresholds both for Air Conduction and Bone Conduction.

Rate and management of tympanic membrane perforations in children with Down syndrome and middle ear disorder

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the management and outcomes of observation versus surgical intervention of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations in children with Down syndrome (DS). In addition, to estimate the prevalence of TM perforations in children with DS.

METHODS

Retrospective case review analysis of TM perforation rate in children with DS with history of tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion at a tertiary pediatric referral center. Patients were divided into observation or surgical intervention groups and then further evaluated for the type of intervention, the number of required procedures, and success rate of hearing improvement. Risk factors contributing to perforations were analyzed, including TT type, number of TT surgeries, and perforation size.

RESULTS

The TM perforation rate in children with DS with TT history was 7.0 %. Tympanoplasty was performed in 41.5 % of perforated ears with a success rate of 53.1 %. There was no statistical difference between the surgical intervention and observation groups regarding perforation characteristics or TT number and type, but the surgical intervention cohort was older. Hearing improvement based on postoperative pure tone average (PTA) threshold was noted in the successful surgical intervention group.

CONCLUSION

The rate of TM perforations in children with DS after TTs is comparable to the general population. Improved PTA thresholds were noted in the surgical success group influencing speech development. The overall lower success rate of tympanoplasty in patients with DS emphasizes the need to factor in the timing of surgical intervention based on the predicted age of Eustachian tube maturation.

Factors related to the surgical outcomes of type I tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforation in children

BACKGROUND

Factors related to surgical outcomes of type I tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane (TM) perforation in children are controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate factors related to anatomical results of type I tympanoplasty for TM perforation 1 year after surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We examined 68 ears. Anatomical results were determined based on the presence or absence of re-perforation, atelectasis, and otitis media with effusion. We retrospectively analyzed factors based on age (≤8 and >8 years), cause and size of TM perforation (<50% and ≥50%), history of asthma and cleft palate, and size of mastoid air cell system in bilateral ears before tympanoplasty. Audiological prognosis was evaluated in ears with anatomical success 1 year after surgery.

RESULTS

Anatomical success was achieved in 80.9% (55/68) of the ears. No significant differences were observed between these factors and anatomical results. All children with cleft palate had anatomical success. Mean pure-tone average (0.5-4 kHz) was 16.25 dB HL for ears with both TM perforations <50% and ≥50%.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

We observed no significant relationship between factors considered and surgical outcomes. However, audiological prognosis was favorable for anatomical success regardless of TM perforation size. Accordingly, type I tympanoplasty is considered useful for TM perforation in children.

Investigation of factors affecting pediatric type 1 endoscopic tympanoplasty results and success rates of surgery

OBJECTIVE

There are many factors that affect the results of tympanoplasty in children. Recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, and more serious complications due to cholesteatoma may be observed. This study examined factors affecting the success of type 1 endoscopic tympanoplasty surgery in pediatric patients and investigated recommended procedures to increase the success of the operation.

METHODS

Our study included pediatric patients who underwent type 1 endoscopic tympanoplasty operation for chronic otitis media. Patient files were analyzed retrospectively. Hearing results before and after the operations were recorded.. Patients were divided into groups according to gender, age (<12 age group, ≥12 age group), and perforation type. Hearing results and physical examination findings were compared for each group.

RESULTS

A total of 204 pediatric patients were included in our study: 114 were male and 90 were female. Patients' hearing results were compared according to the size and location of their tympanic membrane perforations. Hearing loss was found to increase as the size of the tympanic membrane perforation increased. In addition, it was observed that perforations in the posterior quadrant caused more severe hearing loss than in the other quadrants. The postoperative results of the two groups <12 years old, and ≥12 years old were evaluated according to age. Postoperative improvement was higher in the ≥12 age group compared to the <12 age group.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, tympanoplasty surgeries performed on patients younger than 12 have a decreased success rate. Among the many factors that affect the success of an operation, age is one of the most important. There are many factors that affect the results of the operation, perforation size and localization is one of them. There are many factors that affect the success of surgery such as pediatric patients and adult patients. It is useful to make a personal evaluation and to plan the surgery by evaluating the obstacles such as eustachian tube maturation and difficulty in postoperative care in pediatric patients.

Surgical Outcomes of Type 1 Tympanoplasty in Chronic Otitis Media in Paediatric Patients: A Prospective Study

Objectives: To observe the surgical outcome of type 1 tympanoplasty in paediatric patients in the form of graft uptake and audiological improvement. Materials and methods: A prospective study was done in which 40 paediatric patients in age group 6-16 years, diagnosed of chronic otitis media, were taken up for tympanoplasty under general anaesthesia. Patients were followed in post operative period at 4, 6 and 12 weeks for assessment of graft status and audiological evaluation. Results: In this study, we found surgical success rate in the form of graft uptake in 80% of the cases and audiological improvement in 75% of the cases. Conclusion: Tympanoplasty is safe and effective in children with adequate graft uptake and audiological outcome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03965-1.

Hearing outcomes in pediatric tympanoplasty and factors affecting surgical outcomes in the current era

OBJECTIVES

Type-1 tympanoplasty continues to be the treatment of choice for tympanic membrane perforations resulting from chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in children, which is a principal cause of correctable hearing loss in the pediatric population. There is an ongoing debate about the surgical success rate, the factors affecting success as well as the best intervention time for this population group. This study assessed the outcome of Type-1 tympanoplasty in children in terms of 1) graft uptake and 2) hearing improvement as assessed by audiology.

METHODS

The study involved 40 patients aged 6 to ≤14 years suffering from tubotympanic chronic suppurative otitis media. The patients in the study had a central perforation of the pars tensa of the tympanic membrane. Pre-op investigations included Pure tone audiometry, Eustachian tube function test and nasopharyngeal x-ray. Type-1 tympanoplasty was performed on all patients. They were followed up at end of two months, six months, and one year postoperatively to assess surgical success and hearing outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall graft uptake and the surgical success rate was 80%. Postoperatively air-bone gap closure up to 5 dB was achieved in 62.5% of patients at the end of one year. A normal type A tympanometry curve was achieved in 75% of patients. There was a significant reduction in hearing handicap. The best results were obtained in the 9-10 years age group.

CONCLUSION

Tympanoplasty has a high success rate in children. There is a significant improvement in hearing post-surgery. There is a minimal impact of traditionally believed confounding factors. Considering the positive impact of improved hearing and reduced hearing disability, the authors suggest that surgeons should take young children up for tympanoplasty.

Current variations and practice patterns in tympanic membrane perforation repair

OBJECTIVE

Management of tympanic membrane perforations is varied. This study aimed to better understand current practice patterns in myringoplasty and type 1 tympanoplasty.

METHODS

An electronic questionnaire was distributed to American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery members. Practice patterns were compared in terms of fellowship training, practice length, practice setting, paediatric case frequency and total cases per year.

RESULTS

Of the 321 respondents, most were comprehensive otolaryngologists (60.4 per cent), in private practice (60.8 per cent), with a primarily adult practice (59.8 per cent). Fellowship training was the factor most associated with significant variations in management, including pre-operative antibiotic usage (p = 0.019), contraindications (p < 0.001), approach to traumatic perforations (p < 0.001), use of local anaesthesia (p < 0.001), graft material (p < 0.001), tympanoplasty technique (p = 0.003), endoscopic assistance (p < 0.001) and timing of post-operative audiology evaluation (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Subspecialty training appears to be the main variable associated with significant differences in peri-operative decision-making for surgical repair of tympanic membrane perforations.

Postoperative Anatomical and Functional Success Rates of Pediatric Patients with Chronic Otitis Media: Our Experiences

The preoperative and postoperative pure-tone hearing thresholds and anatomical graft success of pediatric patients who underwent chronic otitis mediasurgery with various indications were evaluated and the factors affecting success were examined.Pediatric patients aged 6 to 18 years, who underwent ear surgery for various reasons between January 1, 2013 and January 1, 2020 were included in the study. All patients included in the sample were assessed in terms of age (< 13 and ≥ 13 years), disease type (cholesteatoma, tympanosclerosis, adhesive otitis media, chronic suppurative otitis media, isolated or traumatic tympanic membrane perforation), surgery performed (type 1 tympanoplasty, canal wall-up mastoidectomy, and exploratory tympanotomy), condition of the contralateral ear (unilateral/bilateral disease), graft material (temporal muscle fascia/tragal cartilage), preoperative and postoperative pure-tone audiometry thresholds and hearing gains, and postoperative sixth-month functional and anatomical graft success. Anatomical graft success and functional success were also evaluated according to the type of surgery performed, type of disease, type of fascia used in surgery, condition of the contralateral ear, and age. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of anatomical graft success and functional success according to the type of surgery performed (p = 0.414 and p = 0.123, respectively) and type of disease (p = 0.454 and p = 0.097, respectively). There was also no statistically significant difference between the anatomical and functional success of temporal muscle fascia and conchal cartilage grafts (p = 0.833 and p = 0.565, respectively). While no statistically significant difference was observed in graft success between the patients with and without contralateral ear disease, there was a statistically significant difference in functional success (p = 0.188 and p = 0.014, respectively). Although not statistically significant, it was observed that the anatomical graft success rates were decreased in patients with contralateral ear disease compared to those without bilateral disease (p = 0.188). There was no significant difference between age and anatomical graft success (p = 0.865) or functional success (p = 0.956). The type of disease in the diagnosed ear, presence of disease in the contralateral ear, and graft material used affect functional and anatomical graft success rates. Therefore, we believe that pediatric patients should be evaluated considering these factors in the preoperative period and the parents of these patients should be well informed about possible postoperative conditions.

Paediatric Cartilage Tympanoplasty: A Two Handed Technique with Our Endoscope Holder

The aim of the study is to evaluate the functional and anatomical results of paediatric sliced cartilage type 1 tympanoplasty using our endoscope holder. It is Retrospective Non Randomized Clinical Study. A total of consecutive 81 children operated from January 2016 to December 2017 for endoscopic type I sliced cartilage tympanoplasty with endoscope holder were included in the study. The study included 44 males and 37 females. The patients ranged from 8 to 18 years. In early follow up period ranging from 24 to 48 months, the graft take up was seen in 76 follow up giving a success rate of 93.82 percent. The pre-operative air-bone gap was 32.34 ± 2.71 dB and the post-operative mean 4 tone air-bone gap at 1 and 2 years was 9.12 ± 2.37 dB and 9.42 ± 1.38 dB respectively. The study reports the good air bone closure and anatomical closure of perforation with sliced cartilage in paediatric tympanoplasty.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-021-02678-7.

Current outcomes of myringoplasty in a European referral children's hospital

OBJECTIVES

Myringoplasty is a frequently performed procedure in children, with a heterogeneous failure rate. Our study aimed to evaluate the outcome of myringoplasty in a pediatric hospital and to identify which are risk factors for reperforation or poor hearing improvement after surgery.

METHODS

Preoperative and intraoperative variables between pediatric patients who had undergone myringoplasty with an intact tympanic membrane at follow-up and the cases with reperforation were compared. The same factors were investigated as potential predictors of audiological success. Pre and postoperative PTA and ABG were compared in the whole population, in structural success and failure groups and closure of ABG was calculated and used to compare the audiological outcomes between the two groups.

RESULTS

Parameters that affected the postoperative integrity of TM were age, the time between diagnosis and surgery, the intraoperative status of the middle ear, and secondhand smoke exposure. Early perforations occurred mostly after surgeries performed by trainees, while late perforations were more frequently in autumn. Myringoplasty, regardless of the structural outcome, can improve the ABG and PTA. No preoperative and intraoperative parameters affected the audiological outcome.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric myringoplasty is a safe and successful procedure that can improve hearing, regardless of the structural outcome. In light of our results, parameters to consider before surgery are age, the time between diagnosis and surgery, the intraoperative status of the middle ear, and secondhand smoke exposure.

Comparitive Study on Impact of Dry (Rigid) Versus Wet (Soft) Graft on the Outcome of Type 1 Tympanoplasty

To analyse the rate of success of dry versus wet temporalis fascia graft in type 1 tympanoplasty. A prospective, randomised study was conducted. One hundred adult patients (males and females) with chronic suppurative otitis media (mucosal type) were divided into 2 groups of 50 each: one group underwent dry temporalis fascia graft tympanoplasty and the other underwent wet temporalis fascia graft tympanoplasty. The dry graft and wet graft groups had overall surgical success rates of 82 and 90%, respectively; this finding was not statistically significant. A dry or wet temporalis fascia graft does not influence the outcome of type I tympanoplasty.

Audiological and Surgical Correlates of Myringoplasty Associated with Ethnography in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective cohort study of myringoplasty performed at Tauranga Hospital, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand from 2010 to 2020 sought to identify predictive factors for successful myringoplasty with particular consideration given to the known high prevalence of middle ear conditions in New Zealand Māori.

METHODS

Outcomes were surgical success (perforation closure at 1 month) and hearing improvement, which were correlated against demographic, pathological, and surgical variables.

RESULTS

174 patients underwent 221 procedures (139 in children under 18 years old), with 66.1% of patients being New Zealand Māori and 24.7% New Zealand European ethnicity. Normalized by population demographics, New Zealand Māori were 2.3 times overrepresented, whereas New Zealand Europeans were underrepresented by 0.34 times (a 6.8 times relative treatment differential). The rate of surgical success was 84.6%, independent of patient age, gender, and ethnicity. A postauricular approach and the use of temporalis fascia grafts were both correlated with optimal success rates, whereas early postoperative infection (<1 month) was correlated with ∼3 times increased failure. Myringoplasty improved hearing in 83.1% of patients (average air-bone gap reduction of 10.7 dB). New Zealand Māori patients had ∼4 times greater preoperative conductive hearing loss compared to New Zealand Europeans, but benefited the most from myringoplasty.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

New Zealand Māori and pediatric populations required greater access to myringoplasty, achieving good surgical and audiological outcomes. Myringoplasty is highly effective and significantly improves hearing, particularly for New Zealand Māori. Pediatric success rates were equivalent to adults, supporting timely myringoplasty to minimize morbidity from untreated perforations.

Pediatric Primary Tympanoplasty Outcomes With Autologous and Non-autologous Grafts

OBJECTIVE

To compare rates of successful tympanic membrane (TM) closure in primary pediatric tympanoplasty between various autologous and non-autologous tissues.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed examining all primary pediatric tympanoplasties over a 20-year period at a single institution.

RESULTS

In 564 pediatric tympanoplasties, no statistically significant difference existed between success rates of autologous and non-autologous grafts (p = 0.083). Compared with fascia, the hazard ratios (and 95% confidence intervals [CI]) for failure for each graft were as follows: human pericardial collagen (HR 0.90, CI 0.54-1.50, p = 0.680), porcine submucosal collagen (HR 1.07, CI 0.56-2.05, p = 0.830), human acellular dermal collagen (HR 1.66, CI 0.95-2.87, p = 0.073), and "multiple grafts" (HR 0.72, CI 0.26-1.98, p = 0.520). Survival curves demonstrated that 75% of graft failures occurred by 6 months after surgery, the rest occurring between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Larger perforations encompassing more than or equal to 50% of the TM had lower success rates (HR 1.50, CI 1.02-2.21, p = 0.041) than smaller perforations encompassing less than 50% of the TM. Age was not correlated with success (HR 0.98, CI 0.93-1.03, p = 0.390).

CONCLUSION

This study found that non-autologous collagen grafts provide equivalent rates of healing when compared with autologous tissue in primary pediatric tympanoplasty. In addition to the potential for reduced operative time and donor site morbidity, these materials provide a viable graft alternative in fascia-depleted ears.Level of Evidence: Level 4.

Type I tympanoplasty in pediatric age - The results of a tertiary hospital

INTRODUCTION

The performance of pediatric tympanoplasty is a matter of controversy in the literature, varying from 35 to 94%. Several authors argue that the performance of tympanoplasty should be delayed until 6-8 years old or even after 10 years old.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the results of type I tympanoplasty in pediatric age and to identify possible prognostic factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of children undergoing type I tympanoplasty (Portmann's classification) between January 2012 and December 2018 in our hospital. The following variables were analyzed: age, gender, etiology, size and location of the perforation, operated ear, season of the surgery, experience of the surgeon, condition of the contralateral ear, previous otologic surgery, previous adenoidectomy, presence of tympanosclerosis, surgical approach, type of graft, tympanoplasty technique, pre and postoperative audiometric results and follow-up time. The integrity of tympanic membrane (TM) was defined as anatomical success at 6 months postoperatively and as functional success we defined a pure tone average < 20 dB (mean of 0.5-4 KHz) in postoperative tonal audiometry, performed between 3 and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 48 ears operated on 38 patients, aged between 8 and 17 years. Anatomical and functional success rates of 81.3% and 87.5%, respectively, were obtained. The only statistically significant poor prognostic factor was the presence of tympanosclerosis plaques in the middle ear, negatively affecting anatomical success (p = 0.007) and functional success (p = 0.008). There was an anatomical failure rate of 25% in the anterior and lower TM perforations, 14.3% in central and 7.7% in posterior perforations (p = 0.603). Perforations >50% of the TM surface showed a functional failure rate of 25% vs. 10% in perforations <50% of the TM (p = 0.242) and anatomical failure rates of 12.5% vs. 20%, respectively (p = 0.620). Regarding age, the group <12 years had an anatomical success rate of 85.7%, while the group ≥12 years had a rate of 79.4% (p = 0.611). As for the functional success rates, this was 92.9% and 85.3%, respectively (p = 0.471). Apart from the presence of tympanosclerosis, no other variable was statistically significantly associated with surgical success.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that type I tympanoplasty in pediatric age is a procedure with a high rate of anatomical and functional success. The presence of tympanosclerosis plaques in the middle ear was the only factor associated with poor anatomical and functional prognosis. Contrary to what has been described in some articles in the literature, in this study, the functional and anatomical success rates did not vary according to the age group.

Myringoplasty for pediatric chronic otitis media: An uncritical closure of a natural middle ear drainage?

BACKGROUND

Performing tympanoplasty for tympanic perforations in children and adolescents is often considered to be less successful than in adults.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to evaluate the surgical outcome of tympanoplasty type I in patients under 15 years of age with chronic otitis media and to identify potential factors that influence the success rate.

MATERIALS UND METHODS

The present study was based on a retrospective analysis of the medical records of all patients under the age of 15 who were treated for chronic otitis media by means of type I tympanoplasty between 2005 and 2020. The minimum follow-up period was 6 months. The data were analyzed with regard to epidemiological parameters, tube-related pathologies in the contralateral ear, the local condition and the extent of the eardrum perforation as well as the extent of the surgical intervention (tympanoplasty type I with or without adenotomy).

RESULTS

83 cases were included in our study. The mean age at the time of the surgery was 8.9 years. The mean follow-up time was 46 months (6-182 months). The anatomical closure rate was 88.0%. Children with "dry" tympanic perforations tended to perform better (p = 0.052). The average improvement in the air bone gap was 2.0 dB.

CONCLUSION

Detailed preoperative counseling about the advantages and disadvantages as well as the expected success rate of an early myringoplasty in this age group is just as important as an individualized approach for a high level of patient satisfaction.

Specific aspects of tympanoplasty in children: A retrospective cohort study of 95 cases

BACKGROUND

Paediatric tympanoplasty is now a common surgical procedure. The age from which it could be proposed varies regarding children specificities such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, the high incidence of upper airway infections and the immaturity of the immune system. The aim of this study is to describe the specific constitutional, epidemiological and operative aspects as well as the anatomical and functional results of tympanoplasty in children.

METHODS

From 2014 to 2018, a cohort of 95 patients with ages between 6 and 16 years, operated for a type I tympanoplasty, was reviewed by analysing the medical history, the epidemiological and clinical parameters, in addition to the operative features and the functional results.

RESULTS

The mean age at surgery was 11,7 years. The main risk factors of tympanic perforation were recurrent otitis (78,9%), auricular trauma (16,8%) and tonsillar and adenoid hypertrophy (7,4%). Good anatomical postoperative results with a closed and reinforced neo-tympanic membrane were seen in 90 (94,7%) cases, while a significant improvement of the hearing loss was observed in 87 (91.6%) patients, with a mean value of 34,23 dB HL before and 21,9 dB HL after surgery (p < 0,0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The indications of type I tympanoplasty in the paediatric population remain a subject of debate, but still offer good anatomical and functional results as long as it is adapted to each particular case.

Pediatric type 1 tympanoplasty - Does age matter?

INTRODUCTION

Tympanic membrane perforations might have a negative impact on the patient's quality of life, especially in the pediatric population. Surgery is therefore often required. The most adequate age for surgery remains unclear and is debated in the current literature. The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes of type I tympanoplasty in children and examine the impact of age on surgical outcome.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study. All patients under the age of 18 undergoing type I tympanoplasty at Regional Hospital West Jutland, Denmark, from 1/1-2013 to 31/12-2017 had their medical files reviewed. The primary endpoint of interest was tympanic membrane closure rate six months following surgery, i.e. surgical success. Secondary outcomes were air-bone-gap reduction and the correlation between age and surgical success.

RESULTS

A total of 180 patients undergoing 197 procedures met the predefined criteria. Age at the time of surgery ranged between five and 17 years. Mean age at the time of surgery was 10.1 years (95% CI 9.1-11.2). Surgical success was achieved in 91,3% of the cases. No correlation between age and surgical success was found. Mean air-bone gap was reduced from 19.8 dB (95% CI 18.5-21.0) preoperatively, to 6.9 dB (95% CI 6.1-7.7) at follow-up, p < 0.05. Air-bone gaps ≤10 dB at follow-up were achieved in 155 of the cases (78.6%). Postoperative infection seemed to increase the risk of surgical failure, RR 2.80 ((95% CI 1.06-7.38), p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 1 tympanoplasty in children is an effective treatment in terms of achieving an intact tympanic membrane and improved hearing. No correlation could be found between age and surgical success. Postoperative infection influences surgical outcome negatively.

Cost of closure: Comparing success and spending of fat graft myringoplasties with and without hyaluronic acid

INTRODUCTION

Myringoplasties are common pediatric procedures used to surgically close a perforated tympanic membrane. While a wide variety of graft materials are available to surgeons, the cost effectiveness of these different techniques is not well studied.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the cost effectiveness of the fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) with the hyaluronic acid fat graft myringoplasty (HAFGM).

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients ages 31 days to 18 years who had undergone either FGM or HAFGM from 2006 to 2016.

RESULTS

We identified 85 patients who had undergone FGM and 51 patients who had undergone HAFGM. The two groups were statistically similar in age (CI -0.51, 1.9; p = 0.23), sex (CI 0.3, 1.4; p = 0.27), and history of prior tympanostomy tube placement (CI -0.07, 0.07; p = 0.69). Both groups had a similar number of total comorbidities (40.0% of patients in the FGM group and 27.5% of patients in the HAFGM; CI -0.04, 0.29; p = 0.19). The FGM and the HAFGM procedure did not have statistically significant differences in perforation closure rates, 82.4% and 92.2% respectively (CI 0.81, 7.3; p = 0.13). In comparing the total surgeons' cost of closing a tympanic membrane deficit, the FGM incurred a greater cost per perforation. The cost/tympanic membrane perforation closure for the FGM totaled $3011.88 per deficit, whereas the HAFGM totaled $2742.98.

CONCLUSION

As financial stewardship becomes more important for medical decision making, it is imperative that providers consider cost and outcomes data together when comparing similar treatment options. The FGM and the HAFGM have statistically similar rates of success in closing tympanic membrane perforations. In this study, the FGM cohort consumed more health care dollars per perforation secondary to the need for revision surgeries. As such, this study offers that the additional use of a hyaluronic disc does not increase overall cost to the healthcare system when performing a fat graft myringoplasty over a large cohort of patients.

Epidemiology of common otologic surgical procedures in pediatric patients: A population-based birth cohort study

OBJECTIVE

It is generally recognized the most common pediatric otologic surgical procedure is ventilation tube insertion (VTI). Tympanoplasty and mastoidectomy are more frequently performed on adults. In this study we examined the incidence and age distribution of these procedures by use of a population-based birth cohort design, in order to provide an overall view of the role of these procedures in the pediatric population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the national health insurance research database in Taiwan. We retrieved data on all patients born in the years 2000 and 2001, subsequently underwent VTI, tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy from 2000 to 2013. The incidence and age distribution of these procedures were analyzed.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of VTI, tympanoplasty, and mastoidectomy was 0.41%, 0.02% and 0.025%, respectively. VTI were more often performed on children 4 or 5 years of age. Tympanoplasties are frequently done on children older than 5, and 30.7% of them had earlier VTI. The time interval from VTI to tympanoplasty was 5.18 ± 2.27 years (mean ± SD). Mastoidectomies are more often performed on children from 2 to 9 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

VTI was the most frequent otologic surgery for the pediatric population, and was more often performed on children 4-5 years old. Also, tympanoplasty is more frequently performed on children older than 5, and a third of them had prior VTI. Overall, the time interval from VTI to tympanoplasty was 5.18 years. Furthermore, children with cleft palate and congenital metabolic disorder were more prone to otologic surgical procedures.

Outcomes of primary myringoplasty in indigenous children from the Northern Territory of Australia

AIM

To report the surgical and audiological outcomes of myringoplasty (Type I tympanoplasty) in Indigenous Australian children living in remote and regional communities in northern Australia.

METHOD

An observational cohort study, with prospective recording of the details of surgery. Audiological outcomes were collected independently, and these data were integrated in the present study. Children aged 5-18 year underwent myringoplasty in the Northern Territory during a program initiated by the Australian Government. Surgery was performed by surgeons drawn from across Australia.

RESULTS

412 primary myringoplasties were performed. The mean age at surgery was 11 years. The tympanic membrane was closed in 64.2% of cases. Fascial grafting was associated with greater surgical success than cartilage. Dryness of the ear at surgery did not affect drum closure. Post-operative aural discharge was half that reported in historical literature. Surgical success was independent of the patient's age at surgery. Post-operative audiograms were available on 216 cases. At last review, hearing had improved even when the operation was not a surgical success, with hearing aid candidacy falling from 84 to 34%. Hearing was similar irrespective of the size of the perforation at surgery or the graft used and did not change with the time between surgery and review. The best hearing was associated with drum closure and Types A or C tympanograms. A conductive hearing loss persisted after surgery that was greater when there was an immobile drum.

CONCLUSIONS

Indigenous children benefited from myringoplasty, even when the operation was not a "surgical success" as deemed by drum closure. There lower incidence of post-operative discharge from persistent perforations suggests an improvement in the ear health of the population. A persistent conductive loss persists, likely a consequence of the underlying disease but possibly from the surgery.

A Short Term Comparison of Cartilage with Temporalis Fascia Graft Tympanoplasty in Paediatric and Adolescent Population

To compare the anatomic and functional outcomes of the cartilage and temporalis fascia graft materials in type 1 tympanoplasty in paediatric and adolescent population. A total of 55 patients aged <18 years who required type 1 tympanoplasty were selected. 30 patients underwent cartilage palisade tympanoplasty and 25 using temporalis fascia grafts. The age, the side of the operated ear, the operative technique, pre- and post operative pure tone and impedance audiological results, and the status of the graft were noted. Graft was considered taken up if there was successful closure of tympanic membrane perforation. At the end of 6 months, the graft take rate for cartilage was 90% and for temporalis fascia it was 80% (p > 0.05). ABG closure ratio in cartilage group was 58.54 ± 23.10% and in temporalis fascia group was 56.46 ± 27.4% (p > 0.05). Pre operatively all patients had type B tympanogram in both the groups. While post operatively either type A or C curve was seen in 80% patients of cartilage and 68% patients of temporalis fascia group. Hearing outcomes and graft success rates were high in both fascia and cartilage graft groups but not significantly different.

Evaluation of middle ear risk index in patients undergoing tympanoplasty

INTRODUCTION

Tympanoplasty is a standard surgical procedure for the treatment of chronic otitis media. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of the predictive factors of middle ear risk index (MERI) in patients undergoing tympanoplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 200 patients who underwent tympanoplasty surgery from 2008 to 2018 at Khalili hospital in Shiraz were evaluated. In this study, variables such as age, sex, systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypertension), location and size of tympanic membrane perforation (TMP), health of the opposite ear, dryness duration of the ear, presence or absence of myringosclerosis during surgery, type of operation and the risk of MERI were evaluated.

RESULTS

The success rate for a 6-month follow-up of patients was 88%. Results showed that there was a significant difference between the MERI scores and the three types of operation of intact canal wall (ICW), canal wall down (CWD) and non mastoidectomy (P < 0.001). The longer the dryness duration of the ear, the MERI score was lower. When MERI score is low, the patient doesn't need mastoidectomy. Also, the worse the opposite ear, the higher the MERI score was. The highest MERI score was in patients undergoing CWD, and the lowest MERI score was in patients undergoing simple tympanoplasty.

CONCLUSION

MERI score is a useful tool for predicting the success rate of tympanoplasty and helps the surgeon planning the type of tympanoplasty.

Type 1 tympanoplasty in pediatric patients: Comparison of fascia and perichondrium grafts

OBJECTIVE

The timing of tympanoplasty in the pediatric age group is an ongoing debate. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the success of grafts in type 1 tympanoplasty in pediatric patients, and to evaluate the prognostic factors that may affect its success.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of 42 pediatric patients who were younger than 18 years and underwent a primary type 1 tympanoplasty using tragal cartilage perichondrium and temporalis fascia from January 2013 to December 2018, were evaluated. A total of 42 medical records of children aged between 8 and 18 years (20 female, 22 male) were reviewed. Age, gender, co-morbidities, perforation size and location, type (central, marginal), pre- and post-operative hearing levels, mean air-bone gap (ABG), graft material (fascia, perichondrium), length of follow up and surgical outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

The overall graft success rate was 83.3% (out of 35 patients). The graft success rate was significantly higher 95.2% (20/21) for the perichondrium group compared with 71.4% (15/21) for the temporal fascia group(p = 0.023). The functional success rate (postoperative air-bone gap<20 dB) obtained in the perichondrium group was 90.4% (19/21) and 85.7% (18/21) in the fascia group, respectively. After a mean follow-up of 27.5 ± 11.55 months, the mean hearing improvement was 11.26 ± 7.53 dBHL for overall the group. Presence of contralateral otitis media with effusion (OME) was found a risk for reperforation and bilateral perforations were negatively affected graft success rate (p < 0.01). Graft success did not affected by age, gender and type and location of perforation (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage perichondrium are suitable graft materials for pediatric tympanoplasty with 83.3% of graft success rate. Tragal cartilage perichondrium may be the first choice of graft material due to its high success rates. There were no significant differences between the fascia and perichondrium groups in terms of functional results. Reperforation is more likely to occur in bilateral perforations and contralateral OME, and should be treated with perichondrium or cartilage graft.

Pediatric lateral graft tympanoplasty A review of 78 cases

OBJECTIVES

The optimal timing and technique for repairing chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforations in pediatric patients remains controversial. The objectives are to determine the surgical and hearing outcomes of pediatric lateral graft tympanoplasty at a tertiary teaching hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted for pediatric lateral graft tympanoplasties performed for chronic TM perforations by a single surgeon over a four-year period. Primary and secondary outcomes were graft failure rate and hearing outcomes, respectively.

RESULTS

78 cases were analyzed. The mean age at time of surgery was 10.3 years (range 5-18 years). Mean follow-up was 11.0 months; 27 patients had follow-up >1 yr. Most patients were non-syndromic (85.9%), had a history of bilateral Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) (59%) and presented with marked myringosclerosis (73.1%). Thirty-three percent of cases were revision tympanoplasties. A learner surgeon (resident or fellow) was present in 89.7% of cases. Successful closure of the TM was achieved in 97.4% (76/78) of cases and 92.6% (25/27) of cases with >1-year follow-up. No obvious difference in graft failure was noted with regards to age at time of surgery, perforation size, history of bilateral ETD, presence of a learner surgeon, myringosclerosis, presence of syndromic features, or history of prior tympanoplasty. Ninety-one percent of patients either improved hearing or preserved their conductive hearing deficit. Poorer hearing outcomes were only associated with post-operative blunting.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric lateral graft tympanoplasty is effective in repairing chronic perforations with excellent hearing outcomes. Common quoted predictors of surgical outcome such as age at the time of surgery, syndromic features, history of previous myringoplasty, perforation size, and ETD dysfunction were not associated with graft failure in our series.

Type 1 tympanoplasty in pediatric patients: a review of 102 cases

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the success of type 1 tympanoplasty in pediatric patients with chronic otitis media, and to evaluate the prognostic factors that may influence its success.

Materials and methods

Medical records of 102 children aged between 8 and 18 years (46 female, 56 male) who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty for chronic tympanic membrane perforation between January 2010 and July 2017 were reviewed. Age, gender, condition of contralateral ear (unilateral, bilateral), type (central, marginal) and location of perforation (anterior, posterior, inferior), graft material (fascia, cartilage), pre- and post-operative hearing levels, mean air-bone gap (ABG), surgical approach (postauricular, endaural) and length of follow up were recorded.

Results

Anatomical and functional success (ABG < 20 dBHL) rates were 86.3% (88 patients) and 74.5% (76 patients) after a mean follow-up of 32 ± 16.55 months, respectively. The mean hearing improvement was 10.77 ± 10.45 dBHL. The graft success rates were significantly higher in tragal cartilage group (95.1%) than in temporalis fascia group (80.3%) (p = 0.033). Graft success was negatively affected by contralateral perforation (p = 0.003). All patients with bilateral perforations and graft failure were in temporalis fascia group. Age, type and location of perforation and surgical approach did not influence graft success (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results showed that type 1 tympanoplasty can be performed effectively in pediatric population regardless of age, location and type of perforation and surgical approach. Bilateral perforations are prone to reperforation, and should be treated with cartilage graft.

Assessment of the Factors That Affect the Anatomic and Functional Success of Cartilage Tympanoplasty in Children

OBJECTIVES

Many factors may influence the surgical outcome of tympanoplasty in children, including age, the size and location of perforation, otorrhea, status of contralateral ear, surgical technique, and adenoid hypertrophy. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of pediatric cartilage tympanoplasty and to assess the factors that affect the success of tympanoplasty in children.

METHODS

Children with chronic otitis media who underwent tympanoplasty using cartilage as graft material were evaluated retrospectively. Patient age, gender, size and site of the perforation, status of the contralateral ear, preoperative and postoperative hearing levels, surgical technique, and postoperative complications were noted.

RESULTS

Of the 72 patients included in the study, 27 were male and 35 were female. The average age was 13.22 ± 2.64 and mean follow-up time was 18.4 ± 8.62 months. Anatomic and functional success rates were 88.8% and 80.6%, respectively. Age, gender, and the status of the contralateral ear had no effect on surgical success rate. The mean preoperative and postoperative pure-tone averages were 33.2 6± 10.37 and 21.00 ± 13.25 dB, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Anatomic and functional outcomes of cartilage tympanoplasty are quite satisfactory in pediatric patients. Chronic otitis media should be treated surgically as early as when patient cooperation is possible.

Hearing evaluation after successful myringoplasty

OBJECTIVES

To assess postoperative hearing level, and factors that may have influence hearing improvement after myringoplasty.

METHODS

Twenty six cases of successful myringoplasty were included in this prospective study. Patient parameters including age, gender, size and site of the perforation, mastoid status, and etiology were evaluated. Hearing levels were assessed as the mean air conduction (AC), and air-bone gap (ABG) at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, and their relation with aforementioned parameters were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mean AC hearing gain was 22.373 dB and mean ABG reduction was 20.733 dB. The maximum AC hearing gain was 25.93 dB for subtotal perforation and 26.24 dB for big central perforation, and the maximum ABG reduction was 25.63 dB for subtotal perforation and 24.20 for big central perforation. Mean AC hearing gain was 23.01 dB, 22.72 dB, and 21.39 dB for 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, respectively, and mean ABG reduction was 21.52 dB, 20.79 dB, and 19.86 dB for 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz, respectively. Patient age, gender, mastoid status and etiology did not seem to have any bearing on postoperative hearing improvement.

CONCLUSION

While patient parameters do not seem to correlate with hearing improvement following myringoplasty, the size and location of perforation appear to have an impact on postoperative hearing outcomes. Most hearing improvement appears to occur at 500 Hz.

Outcomes of tympanoplasty in children with down syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of chronic otitis media with effusion (COME), and Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is high in Down syndrome (DS) patients. This often necessitates multiple tympanostomy tube (TT) placements resulting in a higher rate of persistent tympanic membrane (TM) perforation requiring tympanoplasty for repair.

OBJECTIVES

To assess risk factors for persistent perforation and outcomes of tympanoplasty in DS patients.

METHODS

Retrospective case series of 91 ears in 69 DS patients with TM perforations, who were either observed or underwent tympanoplasty. Clinical features, surgical outcomes, and hearing outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

91 ears were evaluated. Sixty perforations were observed, and 31 perforations were repaired. The closure rate was 54.8% for primary surgery, and 70.9% after secondary surgical interventions in the Tympanoplasty Group, compared to 33.0% spontaneous closure rate in the Observation Group (p < 0.001). The only risk factor for failed tympanoplasty repair was persistent COME/ETD (OR 27.2, p = 0.001). In the Observation Group perforations diagnosed at an older age, with >3 TT insertions, and with persistent COME/ETD were less likely to close spontaneously. Patients undergoing tympanoplasty had worse preoperative pure tone averages than those being observed, but significant improvement in air-bone gaps were noted in the Tympanoplasty Group (p = 0.02) post-operatively. Patients were often rehabilitated with hearing aids regardless of intervention (53.3% Observation Group, 48.4% Tympanoplasty Group).

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent TM perforation in children with Down syndrome was associated with a history of COME/ETD, and multiple prior TT insertions. Tympanoplasty was successful for repair in most patients who underwent surgical intervention, but residual hearing loss was common.

Healing Human Moderate and Large Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforations Using Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor, 0.3% Ofloxacin Eardrops, and Gelfoam Patching

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), 0.3% ofloxacin eardrops (OFLX), and Gelfoam patching on the healing of human moderate and large traumatic tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective, quasi-randomized, controlled clinical study.

SETTING

A University-affiliated teaching hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We performed a quasi-randomized prospective analysis between January 2010 and December 2014. All patients had traumatic TMPs covering areas >25% of the entire tympanic membrane. The closure rates, closure times, hearing gains, and rates of otorrhea in patients who underwent conservative observation, Gelfoam patching, topical bFGF application, and direct application of OFLX were compared.

RESULTS

We ultimately included 185 patients. Closure rates did not significantly differ among the four groups (p = 0.257). Post-hoc multiple comparisons also showed that the closure rates did not differ between any two groups (p > 0.083). The mean closure times were 25.6 ± 13.32, 12.3 ± 8.15, 14.3 ± 5.44, and 13.97 ± 8.82 days for the observation, bFGF, Gelfoam patch, and OFLX groups, respectively. The closure times of the four groups differed significantly (p < 0.001). Post-hoc multiple comparisons showed that the differences between the observation group and each of the other groups were significant (p < 0.001). No other between- or among-group differences were significant (p > 0.0083).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that OFLX, bFGF, and Gelfoam patching accelerated the closure of human moderate and large traumatic TMPs. Hence, treatment of human traumatic TMPs should be revisited clinically. Topical application of OFLX may be recommended, because OFLX is more easily available and convenient than bFGF or Gelfoam patch for otology outpatients.

Type I Tympanoplasty Meta-Analysis: A Single Variable Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine which independent variables influence the efficacy of type I tympanoplasty in adult and pediatric populations.

DATA SOURCES

A search of the PubMed database and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the key words "tympanoplasty OR myringoplasty" from January 1966 to July 2014 was performed.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies reporting outcomes of myringoplasty or Type I tympanoplasty in primary non-cholesteatomatous chronic tympanic membrane (TM) perforation were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Of 4,698 abstracts reviewed, 214 studies involving 26,097 patients met our inclusion criteria and contributed to meta-analysis.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The primary outcome of success was defined as closure rate at 12 months. The independent variables analyzed were age, follow-up period, approach, graft material, perforation cause, size, location, ear dryness, and surgical technique. Only those studies providing data on a given parameter of interest could be included when comparing each variable.

CONCLUSION

The weighted average success rate of tympanic closure was 86.6%. Based on this meta-analysis, pediatric surgery has a 5.8% higher failure rate than adults and there is no correlation between follow-up period and success. Other variables associated with improved closure rates include perforation with a size less than 50% of total area (improved by 6.1%) and the use of cartilage as a graft (improved by 2.8% compared with fascia), while ears that were operated on while still discharging, those in different locations of the pars tensa, or using different surgical approaches or techniques did not have significantly different outcomes.

A moist edge environment aids the regeneration of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations

OBJECTIVE

To review the history of moist therapy used to regenerate traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.

STUDY DESIGN

Literature review.

METHODS

The literature on topical agents used to treat traumatic tympanic membrane perforations was reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of moist therapy were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 76 studies were included in the analysis. Topical applications of certain agents (e.g. growth factors, Ofloxacin Otic Solution, and insulin solutions) to the moist edges of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations shortened closure times and improved closure rates.

CONCLUSION

Dry tympanic membrane perforation edges may be associated with crust formation and centrifugal migration, delaying perforation closure. On the contrary, moist edges inhibit necrosis at the perforation margins, stimulate proliferation of granulation tissue and aid eardrum healing. Thus, moist perforation margins upon topical application of solutions of appropriate agents aid the regeneration of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations.

Impact of the nature of the temporalis fascia graft on the outcome of type I underlay tympanoplasty

Objectives:

Temporalis fascia has become the most widely used graft for tympanoplasty, as it is strong, durable, and easy to procure and handle. However, the type of temporalis fascia graft to use (i.e. dry or wet) remains controversial. The present review aimed to evaluate the success rates of dry and wet temporalis fascia grafts in type I underlay tympanoplasty.

Methods:

A literature search was performed, using PubMed up to August 2016, to identify all studies of dry and wet temporalis fascia grafts in type I underlay tympanoplasty. The initial search using the key words ‘temporalis fascia’ and ‘tympanoplasty’ identified 130 articles; these were screened by reviewing the titles or abstracts based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Ultimately, this review included seven articles.

Results and conclusion:

A dry or wet temporalis fascia graft did not affect the outcome of type I underlay tympanoplasty. However, using wet temporalis fascia could shorten the duration of surgery in type I underlay tympanoplasty. Concerns that the fibroblast count of temporalis fascia may beneficially affect success rate have not been substantiated in clinical reports thus far.

Study of Various Prognostic Factors Affecting Successful Myringoplasty in a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction  Myringoplasty is a commonly performed otologic surgery.

Objectives  The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of prognostic factors like - size, site of perforation, status of operating ear, approach, status of contralateral ear, experience of surgeon, primary or revision myringoplasty, and smoking in graft uptake, as well as to evaluate the hearing results after myringoplasty.

Methods  This is a prospective study. We included in our sample patients aged over 13 years with a Tubotympanic Chronic Otitis Media diagnosis. The patients underwent preoperative evaluation and Pure Tone Audiogram within one week prior to surgery. We performed myringoplasty using temporalis fascia graft with conventional underlay technique. We evaluated postoperative graft uptake and various factors related to the study and did a Pure Tone Audiogram at one year after surgery.

Results  The graft uptake rate after myringoplasty was 83.1% at one year in 219 patients. Graft uptake with normal opposite ear was 88.2%, and with Tubotympanic Chronic Otitis Media was 75% (statistically significant). We found no statistically significant difference in graft uptake results with other factors. We calculated hearing results of 132 patients with normal ossicular status who underwent myringoplasty. The average Air Conduction Threshold improvement was 11.44dB ( p  < 0.001) and the average Air-Bone Gap closure was 8.89dB, highly statistically significant ( p  < 0.001).

Conclusion  Diseased contralateral ear was a statistically significant poor prognostic factor for graft uptake after myringoplasty. Other factors studied were not statistically significant determining factor for graft uptake. Hearing improves significantly after myringoplasty if the ossicles are normal.

Myringoplasty in children

BACKGROUND

Tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) may be caused by acute and chronic otitis media, trauma and iatrogenic reasons. The goal of myringoplasty is to achieve a dry, self-cleansing ear with intact TM while preserving hearing. Literature review of myringoplasty outcome demonstrates results with different success rates and affecting factors.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate TMP closure (TMPC) rate and hearing improvement and to assess the effect of clinical and surgical parameters on residual and recurrent perforation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective chart analysis of pediatric patients who underwent myringoplasty between the years 2000-2015. Closure success rate and hearing improvement were evaluated. The influence of age and clinical and surgical variables over TMPC rate and recurrent perforation were examined.

RESULTS

Our study cohort consisted of 165 myringoplasties in 151 children, with a mean age of 11.7 years (R = 4.8-17.9, Me = 12.0). At one month follow-up (FU) TMPC rate was 88% (145/165). Among patients with successful TMPC a mean improvement of air bone gap (ABG) and speech reception threshold (SRT) were 9.9 dB, p < 0.001 and 9.4 dB, p < 0.001, respectively. 58/145 (40%) patients with initial closure had a minimum FU of 6 months (Me = 12.0), during which time 8/58(13.8%) had a recurrent perforation. Surgery before 9 years of age was the only factor correlated with failed initial closure (p = 0.03) and recurrent perforation (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric myringoplasty is associated with high TMPC rate. Hearing improvement is to be expected in most hearing impaired patients. Age under 9 years is associated with significantly higher rates of persistent and recurrent perforation.

Tympanic Reperforation in Myringoplasty: Evaluation of Prognostic Factors

Objectives:

The most frequent failure in myringoplasty is reperforation. This complication appears at a rate of 7% to 27%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of the principal prognostic factors to the risk of reperforation.

Methods:

This is a study of prognosis based on an inception cohort. The prognostic factors considered in the study refer to clinical and surgical aspects; follow-up ranged from 5 to 7 years (mean, 68 months). The study was performed on 212 patients with or without otorrhea who underwent operation for tympanic perforation. All subjects underwent myringoplasty by means of an underlay or overlay technique depending on the size and site of the perforation.

Results:

Healing of the tympanic perforation was obtained in 182 cases (86%). Age, otorrhea, status of the contralateral ear, and conductive hearing loss did not significantly affect the outcome of surgery. On the other hand, time from surgery, the site of perforation, the type of anesthesia, the approach, the surgical technique, and the type of graft were significantly related to the outcome.

Conclusions:

In the analysis of our results, the surgical approach proved to be the principal prognostic factor in the anatomic outcome of myringoplasty. The results obtained suggest that the principal factors influencing the outcome of myringoplasty are technical and not clinical.

Paediatric tympanoplasty: comparative study between patients aged 5–8 years and those aged over 14 years

Objective:

To evaluate and analyse the success rate of tympanoplasty type I in paediatric patients aged 5 to 8 years compared to a control group (patients aged over 14 years).

Methods:

In this prospective study, 60 patients (of either sex) with chronic suppurative otitis media inactive mucosal disease were divided into 2 groups (30 in each): group A comprised paediatric patients aged 5–8 years and group B consisted of older individuals aged over 14 years. All patients underwent tympanoplasty type I with an underlay technique using a temporalis fascia graft.

Results:

Impressive surgical success rates of 87 and 90 per cent were recorded in groups A and B, respectively. Furthermore, audiological success rates of 69 and 78 per cent were achieved in groups A and B respectively. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that eustachian tube function had no impact on the outcome of tympanoplasty.

Conclusion:

Tympanoplasty type I performed in children aged five to eight years gives comparable results to those of older individuals.

Role of tympanometric volume in paediatric tympanoplasty

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prognostic significance of "Tympaometric Volume" for paediatric tympanoplasty type I in a select age-group of 5-8 years.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted in 30 children with chronic suppurative otitis media-inactive mucosal disease of either sex. Pre-operative tympanometric volume was recorded in all the cases and statistically analysed with the graft uptake results post-operatively. All the patients underwent tympanoplasty type I by underlay technique using temporalis fascia graft. An intact graft at the end of 6 months, and a postoperative hearing improvement of 10 dB or greater in two consecutive frequencies, was regarded as surgical and audiological success, respectively. The statistical analysis was done using Mantel Haenszel χ(2) i.e. Chi square test, and Fisher exact p value test for confirmation.

RESULTS

We recorded an impressive surgical success rate of 87% and an audiological improvement of 70% in this study. On the basis of mean tympanometric volume of 1.6 cm(3) the patients were divided into two groups: in Group A (tympanometric volume<1.6 cm(3)), and group B (tympanometric volume>1.6 cm(3)). A graft uptake of 95% and 77% was recorded in Group A & B, respectively. However, the statistical evaluation of the data revealed no significant effect of this factor.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study no correlation between the tympanometric volume and the surgical success of paediatric tympanoplasty in select age group of 5-8 years was observed.

A comparison of two myringoplasty techniques in Nepalese children: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

In children, the success of myringoplastywith temporalis fascia is lower compared to adults and cartilage as an alternative graft material has shown higher success rate.

OBJECTIVE

To compare results of myringoplasty using tragal cartilage palisades with the use of temporalis fascia in children with large tympanic membrane perforations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective and randomized study conducted in children of age 6-14 years with large tympanic membrane perforation of more than two quadrants. Status of graft at or around 6 weeks after surgery was used as morphological outcome measure. Pre- and postoperative audiograms were compared to evaluate audiological outcome in two groups.

RESULTS

Forty seven out of 55 patients completed follow-up. The graft uptake rate in the cartilage palisades and temporalis fascia myringoplasty group was 91.3% (21/23) and 83.33% (20/24), respectively; the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.666). The mean preoperative air-bone gaps (ABG) in cartilage palisades and temporalis fascia group were 36.2±8.9dB and 33.8±7.5dB, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.412). Similarly, the postoperative ABG in cartilage palisades and temporalis fascia group were 25.1±12.2dB and 17.2±9.2dB, respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.040). The gap closure was 11.0dB in palisades group and 16.8dB in fascia group, but it was not significant (P=0.133).

CONCLUSION

In our study of pediatric myringoplasty, the morphological and functional outcomes in both cartilage palisades and temporalis fascia groups were comparable.

Porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) myringoplasty in children: A randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

A novel bioactive material for tissue graft, derived from porcine small intestinal mucosa (SIS) has been marketed. This material promotes early vessel growth, provides scaffolding for the remodeling tissues, and is inexpensive and ready-to-use. We evaluated efficacy, safety, and surgery time of SIS myringoplasty, in comparison with autologous temporalis fascia (PTF) repair in children in a prospective, two-group (SIS and PTF) randomized, blinded study at a tertiary-care pediatric institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

404 children with tympanic membrane (TM) repair were randomly assigned to receive SIS or PTF myringoplasty. Primary outcome was the healing of the TM at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were surgical time, and adverse events. Long-term follow-up ranging from 11 to 2 years was obtained in all enrolled children. Audiometric tests as pure-tone thresholds were applied in all patients. The Fisher's exact test and the Kriskal-Wallis test were applied for statistical analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Four-hundred-thirty-two TM perforations were treated, 217 in the SIS and 215 in the PTF groups. There were 209 stable TM closures in the SIS (96.3%) and 204 (94.8%) in the PTF arm. This difference was not statistically significant (odds ratio=0.4, 95%; confidence interval=0.12-1.41). SIS myringoplasty yielded reduced surgical time. No adverse reaction to SIS was encountered. Audiometric tests revealed no statistically significant difference in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SIS myringoplasty is a safe and effective method for TM closure in children with reduced surgical time, as compared to PTF.

The effect of age on pediatric tympanoplasty outcomes: a comparison of preschool and older children

OBJECTIVES

Determine whether the outcome of tympanoplasty in preschool children is different from that of older children.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Retrospective review of children having undergone a primary tympanoplasty by 4 surgeons for a tympanic membrane perforation between 2002 and 2013.

RESULTS

Data from 50 children age 2-4, 130 children age 5-7 and 105 children age 8-13 years old were reviewed. Median follow-up was 7.5 months. On crude analysis, the incidence of anatomical success was not significantly different between the different age groups (p=0.38), the success rate was respectively 69.4%, 68.5% and 79.1% with an overall rate of 72.5%. 5.9% of all children required later insertion of tympanostomy tubes, 10.2% in preschool children. The post-operative audiology results were similar for all groups with a mean improvement of 9dB in the air-bone gap. When limiting the analysis to the 155 children having at least 6 months of follow-up, the rate of success was respectively 50.0%, 60.8% and 74.0% (p=0.10). After multivariate analysis controlling for the effect of surgeon, approach and etiology, the odds ratio of perforation was respectively 5.48, 2.27 and 1.00 for the different age groups.

CONCLUSION

Children younger than 4 years of age have the worst outcome after tympanoplasty. It remains uncertain whether the benefits of hearing improvement and quality of life may outweigh that of a high rate of a residual, usually smaller, perforation. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and delineate the patient characteristics and technique most likely to lead to successful results.

Influence of size and site of perforation on fat graft myringoplasty

OBJECTIVES

In this retrospective study, we investigated the outcomes of fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) in different perforation sizes and locations. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of closure rates and audiological test results.

METHODS

The study population included 172 patients who were operated between 2007 and 2012. 161 had unilateral and 11 had bilateral chronic otitis media; and 183 ears were operated by FGM. The patients were divided into two groups based on size as small and larger (size of ≤30 of TM was defined as small perforations, and size of >30% TM was defined as a medium-large perforations); and two groups based on location of perforation [anterior and other (non-anteriorly located)]. Patients' follow-ups were performed between 1 and 5 years; and follow-up examinations were performed with otoendoscopy. Air conduction (AC) thresholds and air-bone gap (ABG) were evaluated both preoperative year and postoperative 1st year.

RESULTS

The total perforation closure rate was 84.7%. In this study, we found out that FGM is effective closing medium-large perforations just as small perforations with the success rate of 79.1% and 86.4% respectively (p>0.05). When audiological outcomes were evaluated in both groups, AC values got lower and ABG values improved postoperatively, whereas regarding AC thresholds and ABG improvement among the size groups, patients with small perforations had significantly better postoperative results (p<0.05). In terms of perforation location, closure rates were 85.2% in anteriorly perforations and 84.5% in the other located perforations. Audiological outcomes demonstrated that in both groups, AC values got lower and ABG values improved postoperatively; and hearing results were not different in anteriorly located perforations and other locations.

CONCLUSION

Fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) may be used in all small and medium-large, and anteriorly and other located perforations. Although hearing improvement was detected in each of the small; and medium-large perforations; patients with small perforations had more satisfied audiological outcome than medium-large perforations.