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

Abstract

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.