A comparative study of quality of life in patients with type I endoscopic tympanoplasty with ADM and conventional microscopy

Abstract

Objective To compare the early quality of life in patients with type I endoscopic tympanoplasty (minimally invasive surgery for otitis media) with tissue engineering materials ADM and conventional microscopy. Methods 80 cases of chronic otitis media scheduled for type I endoscopic tympanoplasty were divided into minimally invasive surgery for otitis media group and traditional ear microsurgery group with 40 cases in each group. The early postoperative quality of life of the two groups were investigated respectively with the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire survey was carried out on patients with chronic otitis media (COM) who met the inclusion criteria with Chinese version of chronic ear disease questionnaire (CCES) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The scores of quality of life were compared between the two groups before operation, on the day of operation, 3 days and 2 weeks after operation. The self-made patient satisfaction questionnaire was used during the follow-up. Results A total of 80 patients were followed up, with a follow-up rate of 100%. CCES scores including activity restriction, symptoms, occupancy of medical resources in the minimally invasive surgery group on the day of operation, CCES scores including activity restriction and occupancy of medical resources in the minimally invasive surgery group 3 days after operation were significantly higher than those in the traditional ear microsurgery group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). VAS score result showed that there was just mild distress in the minimally invasive surgery group before operation, on the day of operation, 3 days and 2 weeks after operation; there was moderate distress in the traditional ear microsurgery group. The patient satisfaction in the minimally invasive surgery group was better than that in the traditional ear microsurgery group (92.5% vs.70.0%; P<0.05). Conclusion Minimally invasive surgery for otitis media has the advantages of minimally invasive, no incision on the body surface, clear vision, simple and accurate operation, high healing rate, quick recovery, which can significantly improve the early postoperative quality of life and patient satisfaction, has broad prospects in clinical application. Key words: Otitis media; Ear endoscope; ADM; Tympanoplasty; Quality of life