Chondroperichondrial clip myringoplasty: a new technique for closure of tympanic membrane perforations

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the recently described chondroperichondrial clip myringoplasty technique, and make comparisons with conventional myringoplasty techniques. The study comprised a select group of patients with chronic otitis media (mucosal disease only), with central tympanic membrane perforations affecting less than 50 per cent of the pars tensa, and an air-bone gap below 35 dB. A modified custom-made cartilage perichondrial graft was placed using the recently described 'clip' technique. The graft success rate was 91.3 per cent. Post-operatively, the air-bone gap was within 10 dB in 52 per cent of cases and within 10-20 dB in 48 per cent of cases. There were few minor complications. Chondroperichondrial clip myringoplasty can be considered as an alternative minimally invasive technique for the repair of select cases of tympanic membrane perforations. This technique, which showed impressive results, was associated with minimum morbidity and reduced operative time.