A Comparative Study on Endoscopic Underlay versus Interlay Technique of Type I Tympanoplasty

Abstract

Introduction: Tympanoplasty by underlay method is the commonly employed technique to repair perforated tympanic membrane and is conventionally done using a microscope. Aim of this study was to compare the results of underlay and interlay technique of endoscopic tympanoplasty between two groups. Materials and methods:  A total of 100 patients were included in the study, with in a period of two years. All of them underwent type I endoscopic tympanoplasty, 50 patients in group 1 by interlay and 50 patients in group 2 by underlay method. All of whom were followed up for 6 months. Patients were evaluated and compared in terms of graft uptake, improvement in hearing and rate of complications Results:  In the present study, Group 1 patients have recorded a graft uptake rate of 100% where as in group 2 it was 94%. 88% of the patients in group 1 and 84 % in group 2 reported a complete ABG closure at the end of 6 month. Conclusion: Endoscopic tympanoplasty, by interlay technique gives a very good success rate both in terms of graft uptake and air-bone gap closure when compared to underlay method. KEYWORDS: endoscopic tympanoplasty, interlay, underlay