Air-bone Gap Closure Research Articles

Long-term hearing results in endoscopic sandwich myringoplasty: An innovative Dhulikhel hospital technique

Background: The endoscope has diagnostic and therapeutic role in different otological surgeries. It has excellent view of images where there are difficult nooks and corners. The use of sandwich cartilage perichondrium in the repair of tympanic membrane peroration has its own benefit in graft uptake and hearing results whether long term or short term. The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-term hearing results in patients who underwent endoscopic sandwich myringoplasty with Dhulikhel Hospital (D-HOS) technique. Materials and Methodology: This was a prospective, cohort study performed among 45 patients who underwent endoscopic sandwich myringoplasty with D-HOS technique using tragal cartilage and perichondrium. The hearing was assessed by comparing pre- with post-operative air-bone gap (ABG) and ABG closure in speech frequencies (0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz). Results: Among forty-five patients, 42 (93.3%) had graft uptake in 12 months of follow-up. The postoperative ABG (17.0 ± 8.5 dB) was lesser than preoperative ABG (27.3 ± 12.5 dB) with statistically significant results. Conclusion: Endoscopic sandwich myringoplasty with D-HOS technique is a safe procedure with high-graft uptake rate and good long-term hearing results.

Outcome of hearing in stapedectomy versus stapedotomy in nonendemic areas

Background and Objectives: Stapedectomy and stapedotomy are the standard techniques for surgical treatment of stapes fixation. Both techniques differ in the size of the created opening in the stapes footplate and the type of prosthesis used. The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcomes of hearing following the two surgical techniques. Methods: One hundred and forty-nine medical records of patients who underwent stapedectomy or stapedotomy between the years 1988 and 2011 were reviewed. The subjects were classified into two groups including stapedectomy and stapedotomy. The clinical and immediate pre- and postoperative air-conduction (AC) threshold, bone conduction, and air-bone gap (ABG) were compared between the two groups. Results: The average age of patients included (n = 149) was 34.4 years at the time of surgery. The pure-tone average calculated for AC for clinical and immediate preoperative and postoperative was 57.6, 58.9, and 35.3 dB, respectively. The ABG calculated for clinical, immediate preoperative, and postoperative was 37, 36.9, and 14.5 dB, respectively. The majority of the patients (80.5%) underwent surgery for otosclerosis. Stapedectomies were done for 60.4% versus 39.6% stapedotomies. Preoperatively, the majority of patients fall within the class of moderate to moderate-severe hearing loss. Closure of ABG to 10 dB or more was achieved in 50.4% of the cases. Postoperative ABG was statistically different (P = 0.002) between the stapedectomy (16.79 dB) versus stapedotomy (10.85 dB) group. Conclusions: Stapedotomy cases were better than stapedectomy ones in closing the ABG. The frequency (250 Hz) AC threshold was better in the stapedotomy group compared to the stapedectomy one in a postoperative audiogram. No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in the other frequencies.

Loop underlay tympanoplasty for anterior, subtotal and total tympanic membrane perforations: a retrospective review

BackgroundThe study aims at reporting our experience with loop underlay tympanoplasty, a modification of the underlay technique previously reported, for the reconstruction of anterior, subtotal or total tympanic membrane perforations.MethodsA retrospective review of charts of patients who have undergone loop underlay tympanoplasty from January 2002 to January 2012 was performed. One thousand one hundred patients were included. Hearing test results preoperatively and postoperatively were reported. On follow up visits, the closure of the tympanic membrane perforation and the improvement of hearing compared to preoperative measurements with absence of complications were considered as successful outcomes of the surgery.ResultsAt the three-month follow-up visit, the perforation closure rate was found to be 99.3% and Air-Bone Gap closure rate to less than 10 dB was 99.5%. The complication rate, including post-operative infection, was 0.72%.ConclusionThe loop underlay technique combines advantages of both underlay and overlay techniques with excellent postoperative outcomes.

COMPARISON OF CARTILAGE TYPE IIIA AND IIIB TYMPANOPLASTY IN INDIAN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA

Objective: This prospective comparative study determined the efficacy of type III tympanoplasty using homologous septal spur cartilage in patients with chronic otitis medis (COM).Methods: We selected patients by random sampling. Complete otolaryngologica examination including otological examination, tuning fork tests, pure tone audiometry (PTA), and relevant investigations was done. Post-tympanoplasty residual air-bone gap (ABG) was graded. Type III tympanoplasty was done for all and followed up until month 6.Results: Of 50 patients, 70.0% were men. Mean age was 27.72±10.81 years, 24 and 26 patients underwent type IIIA and IIIB tympanoplasty, respectively. Pre-operative mean PTA and ABG was 50.08 dB and 38.27 dB, respectively. Pre-operative ABG of 31–60 dB was seen in 41 patients while nine had an ABG of 0–30 dB. Overall, pre- and post-operative PTA was 50.24 dB and 28.54 dB, respectively. Overall, pre- and post-operative ABG was 38.32 dB and 16.40 dB (III A 36.92 dB and 14.79 dB; III B 39.62 dB and 17.88 dB). Mean overall hearing gain postoperatively in PTA was 21.70 dB (type III A 22.33 dB, III B −21.115 dB). Overall, ABG closure was 23.53 dB (type III A 22.333 dB, III B −21.115 dB). None had failure (>30 dB). Good ABG of 10–20 dB was seen in 72% and 78% of patients at month 3 and 6, respectively.Conclusion: Significant post-operative hearing improvement was seen in both types of tympanoplasty using homologous cartilage graft for ossicular reconstruction. Type III A is better than type IIIB as the stapes superstructure is vital for hearing.

Surgical outcomes of tympanoplasty using a sterile acellular dermal allograft: a prospective randomised controlled study.

SUMMARYAcellular human dermal allografts have been shown to be effective for soft-tissue implantation. We compared treatment outcomes of tympanoplasty using tragal perichondrium and acellular human dermal allograft (MegaDerm®). In a prospective randomised controlled study, 60 patients scheduled to undergo tympanoplasty were randomly assigned to the autologous tragal perichondrium group (n = 33) or acellular human dermal allograft group (n = 27). Postoperative hearing gain, graft success rate at 1 and 6 months and operation times were compared between groups. Graft success rate, defined as the complete closure of tympanic membrane perforation, did not show any significant intergroup difference (75.8% vs 85.2%, p = 0.519). Air conduction thresholds and air-bone gaps showed significant improvements in both groups; from 38.7 ± 15.9 dB to 30.2 ± 15.6 dB (p < 0.001) and from 17.8 ± 7.3 dB to 11.5 ± 7.0 (p = 0.001) in the autologous tragal perichondrium group, and from 30.4 ± 12.2 dB to 24.5 ± 13.0 dB (p = 0.006) and from 14.3 ± 5.1 dB to 7.6 ± 4.6 dB (p < 0.001) in the acellular human dermal allograft group. The amount of hearing gain (p = 0.31) and closure of air-bone gap (p = 0.863) were not meaningfully different between groups. The mean operation time was significantly lower in the acellular human dermal allograft group (35.2 min vs 27.4 min, p = 0.039). In this prospective randomised controlled study, acellular human dermal allograft was shown to be an effective alternative to tragal perichondrium, with similar graft success rates and postoperative hearing results, but with reduced operation times.

Otologic Outcomes After Blast Injury: The Brussels Bombing Experience.

After the suicide bombings in Brussels on March 22, 2016, many victims consulted our emergency department with otologic symptoms. The aim of this study was to report the otologic morbidity and outcome after acute acoustic trauma in these patients. Prospective cohort study. Tertiary referral center. Patients reporting subjective hearing loss, tinnitus, feeling of pressure in the ear, vertigo or hyperacusis after witnessing these bombings were included. All included patients were treated with systemic corticosteroid therapy, concurrent hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was advised to each and every included patient. Participants underwent a routine otologic work-up including otoscopy, liminal audiometry, and subjective outcome measures related to tinnitus at baseline and at follow-up. Primary outcome was to describe the otologic morbidity after acute acoustic trauma (AAT). Secondary outcome was to evaluate the recovery of hearing loss, subjective symptoms, and tympanic membrane perforations. Fifty-six patients were included in our population with an average age of 27 ± 13 years, and 46% women/54% men. Thirty-two patients reported subjective hearing loss, 45 reported tinnitus, 45 reported a feeling of pressure in the ear, 2 patients experienced vertigo, and 18 patients reported hyperacusis. Otoscopic examination revealed three tympanic membrane perforation (TMP). Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was observed in 41% (n = 23) and mixed hearing loss in 3.6% (n = 2). No conductive hearing loss (CHL) was observed. Follow-up was obtained in 76.8%, with the last follow-up available at 47 ± 74 days. Two perforations closed spontaneously, while one persistent perforation was successfully reconstructed with complete air-bone gap closure. There was a significant improvement in subjective symptoms. SNHL improvement was observed in 52.6% (10/19), mixed hearing loss improved in both patients. Improvement in hearing thresholds was seen in patients treated with steroids and in those treated with steroids and HBOT, there was no significant difference in the degree of improvement between these two groups. Blast-related otologic injuries have a significant impact on morbidity. Comprehensive otologic evaluation and state-of-the-art treatment may lead to a significant improvement in symptoms and hearing loss.

Titanium ossicular chain reconstruction in single stage canal wall down tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media with mucosa defect.

To evaluate surgical outcomes for chronic otitis media with mucosa defect underwent titanium ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) in single stage canal wall down tympanoplasty (CWD). A clinical retrospective study was performed on 83 cases of the chronic otitis media with mucosa defect and 123 ears with mucosa integrity according to intraoperative findings that underwent synchronous titanium OCR in single stage CWD form January 2012 to January 2018. Pre- and postoperative air conduction threshold (AC), air-bone gap (ABG) and ABG closure at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were investigated. The overall mean AC threshold of 53.4 ± 16.5 dB was lowered to 41.2 ± 15.9 dB postoperatively (p < 0.01). The mean pre- and postoperative ABG of all patients were 27.9 ± 9.9 dB and 17.2 ± 9.3 dB (p < 0.01), respectively, with a mean ABG closure of 10.7 ± 8.4 dB. The total rate of success, postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB was achieved in 71.4%. In the mucosa defect group underwent TORP, the mean pre- and postoperative ABG were 28.1 ± 9.8 dB and 20.1 ± 9.0 dB (p < 0.01), respectively, with the ABG closure was 8.0 ± 7.9 dB. In the mucosa defect group underwent PORP, the mean pre- and postoperative ABG were 27.9 ± 10.1 dB and 16.5 ± 9.1 dB (p < 0.01), respectively, with the ABG closure was 11.4 ± 8.6 dB. Furthermore, in the mucosa defect group, there was significant difference in success rate of achieved postoperative ABG ≤ 20 dB between the TORP (48.9%) and PORP (77.5%) (p < 0.05). It is revealed PORP in single stage CWD tympanoplasty for the patients suffered from chronic otitis media with mucosa defect is favored.

The significance of selected prognostic factors in pediatric tympanoplasty

The aim of this study was to determine the importance of selected prognostic factors on outcomes of tympanoplasty in children. 241 children classified into three age groups (3-7, 8-12 and 13-18), had undergone tympanoplasty between 2001 and 2007 and were subsequently observed for at least 2years. Prognostic factors were assessed with regard to their impact on the functional and anatomical outcome of the tympanoplasty defined, respectively, as postoperative air-bone gap and state of the middle ear. In 85% of children, a tympanic membrane reconstruction was performed. An unchanged TM was achieved in 85% of the patients in early results and in 76% in later results. Air-bone gap closure was observed in 66% of cases. The earlier preventive retraction pocket tympanoplasty was performed, the better anatomical results were obtained-ranging from 91% in the 3-7 age group versus 75-70% in 8-12 and 13-18 age groups. The results of total or subtotal perforation reconstructions were worse than for small perforation with closure rates of 76.5% vs 94.5%, respectively. Age is not a factor determining the success rate in pediatric tympanoplasty. A better surgical outcome can be achieved in children with a dry ear, and better middle ear condition, because of previously performed surgeries. Preventive tympanoplasty is also advantageous. The hearing results in type 2 and 3 tympanoplasty are similar, but type 1 tympanoplasty has superior efficacy to the former two types.

The wheel-shaped composite cartilage graft (WsCCG) and temporalis fascia for type 1 tympanoplasty: a prospective, randomized study.

To compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of two different grafts which are used for the reconstruction of subtotal or total tympanic membrane perforations: the wheel-shaped composite cartilage graft (WsCCG) and temporalis fascia (TF). Ninety patients (94 ears) who underwent type 1 tympanoplasty for non-complicated chronic otitis media between March 2014 and June 2016 in a tertiary referral center were included in a randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial. Tympanic membranes were reconstructed with the WsCCG or TF. Outcomes of 91 surgeries performed on 87 adults (> 18years of age) were evaluated in the study. Forty-three patients (44 ears) were included in the WsCCG group; 44 patients (47 ears) were included in the TF group. The mean post-operative follow-up was 14.9months for the WsCCG group and 15.1months for the TF group. There was no statistically significant difference in post-operative pure tone average (PTA) (p = 0.19), air-bone gap (ABG) (p = 0.64), PTA gain (p = 0.82) and ABG closure (p = 0.89) values between two groups. Graft success rates at 6months after surgery were 82.9% (39/47) and 97.7% (43/44) for TF and WsCCG, respectively. At the first year, success rates were 85.1% (40/47) for TF and 97.7% (43/44) for WsCCG. A statistically significant difference was observed in graft success rates between two groups (p = 0.039). Both TF and WsCCG lead to satisfactory functional results, but the WsCCG clearly leads to superior anatomical outcomes with a graft success rate of 97.7%. The WsCCG is a suitable graft for subtotal or total tympanic membrane perforations and has the advantages of being a one-piece, flexible, composite, and physically resistant graft.

Primary Endoscopic Stapes Surgery: Audiologic and Surgical Outcomes.

Evaluate outcomes following primary endoscopic stapes surgery. Retrospective case series. Two tertiary otologic centers. Eighty-one ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation. Total endoscopic stapedotomy or stapedectomy. Surgical and audiologic outcomes. Eighty-one subjects were included (60% women) with a median age of 47.6 years (range, 19.1-73.6 yr). Etiologies of hearing loss included otosclerosis (96.3%), stapedial ankylosis (2.5%), and congenital stapes fixation (1.2%). The median follow-up was 5.3 months (range, 1.2-50.4 mo). 74.1% required scutum removal, and the chorda tympani nerve was sacrificed in 7.4%. Two techniques were used: 51.9% underwent stapedectomy and 48.1% underwent stapedotomy (with use of laser, drill, or both in 74.4, 20.5, and 5.1% of cases, respectively). The median air-bone gap (ABG) improved from 31.3 dB preoperatively to 6.25 dB postoperatively at last follow-up (p < 0.0001). The ABG closed to less than 15 dB in 96.3% of patients and less than 10 dB in 84%. There were no instances of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss (defined as >15 dB change from baseline) or facial nerve injury. Postoperatively, 29.6% of patients reported dysgeusia, of which 8.3% was persistent at last follow-up. Postoperative disequilibrium was reported in 17.3% of cases, with 100% resolution at last follow-up. Comparison of the stapedotomy and stapedectomy groups revealed no significant differences in audiologic or surgical outcomes. Endoscopic stapedotomy and stapedectomy are effective techniques to manage stapes fixation resulting in a median postoperative ABG of 6.25 dB and ABG closure to within 10 dB in 84% of patients.

Extended high-frequency hearing loss following the first episode of otitis media.

Otitis media has been associated with several auditory and developmental sequelae. Here, the results of auditory tests were evaluated in patients who had a first episode of unilateral otitis media and compared with the contralateral healthy ear. Cohort study. This study was undertaken from 2015 to 2016, with a follow-up period of 6 months. A total of 41 patients who had been diagnosed with unilateral acute otitis media were selected. Standard (250 Hz-8 kHz) and extended high-frequency (8 kHz-16 kHz) audiometry was performed within 5 days of the beginning of the clinical symptoms, and then in defined time frames for a period of 6 months. The results of the contralateral healthy ears were used as individual controls. After closure of the initial air-bone gap, the results of the standard audiometry did not demonstrate significant differences in the thresholds of diseased ears compared with controls. A significant elevation of the mean extended high-frequency thresholds in the ears affected by otitis media was observed at the first and subsequent appointments within the 6-month follow-up period. Diseased ears from patients who experienced tinnitus during the 6-month follow-up period had significantly higher thresholds in the extended high frequencies than diseased ears from patients without residual tinnitus. These results suggest that the first episode of otitis media may lead to persistent elevation of the mean thresholds of extended high-frequencies, whereas persistent tinnitus after 6 months of the acute infection is associated with more severe hearing loss. 2b Laryngoscope, 128:2879-2884, 2018.

Permeatal ‘push through’ myringoplasty in the Northern Territory: a prospective cohort

Background: The permeatal cartilage ‘push through’ tympanoplasty is a safe and effective technique that has previously been shown to be beneficial in a variety of settings. This study examines its efficacy in a population with high proportions of Indigenous Australians who live in remote areas and have a high burden of chronic suppurative middle ear pathology. Methods: Multi-centre prospective case series. Two hundred and forty-one patients underwent transcanal “push-through” myringoplasty in the Northern Territory of Australia between January 01, 2012 and January 01, 2014. Graft integrity, air-bone gap closure and pure-tone average (PTA) thresholds were recorded at 1–5 months post operatively and after 12 months. Results: At 1–5 months, 87.2% of patients had successful grafts and intact tympanic membranes. Beyond 12 months, 84.4% of patients continued to have intact grafts and tympanic membranes. Less than 20% of patients had a residual hearing loss of more than 30 dB after the surgery. The air-bone gap was significantly lower after surgery (P<0.001). Conclusions: ‘Push Through’ myringoplasty has a favourable success rate when compared to conventional methods employed in the Aboriginal population (30–64%) and provides the patient with a safe ear and improved hearing.

Hearing Improvement in Interposition Ossiculoplasty and Myringostapediopexy.

Chronic otitis media (COM) may lead to partial or complete loss of tympanic membrane and erosion of the ossicles. Ossicular chain reconstruction may be done by interposition ossiculoplasty or myringostapediopexy.The aim of our study was to determine the hearing outcome in interposition ossiculoplasty and myringostapediopexy using autologous incus or cortical bone graft in intact canal wall tympanoplasty. 64 patients with COM, who underwent interposition ossiculoplasty or myringostapediopexy were included in the study. Audiometric evaluation was done after 3months after surgery and all patients were followed up for a period of 1year. The hearing results were compared in terms of mean pre-op and post-op Air conduction thresholds, Air-Bone gap (ABG) and hearing gain or ABG closure. In this study the mean ABG closure for interposition ossiculoplasty and myringostapediopexy was 15.4dB and 21.8dB, respectively. Hearing gain with cortical bone graft was higher than hearing gains with incus in both the groups, but not statistically significant. Myringostapediopexy provides marginally better hearing gain compared to interposition ossiculoplasty. Aulogous incus, and cortical bone graft are suitable autologous materials for ossicular reconstruction and provide similar hearing outcome.

Anatomical and functional results of ossiculoplasty using titanium prosthesis.

SUMMARYTitanium ossicular chain replacement prosthesis is often used for rehabilitation of the columellar effect in otologic surgeries. This retrospective study aims to analyse the anatomical and functional results of surgeries in which a titanium prosthesis was used. Two hundred and eighty procedures in 256 patients operated on in a tertiary referral center were analysed. Aetiologies, preoperative audiograms, peroperative data and postoperative outcomes at 2 and 12 months postoperatively were reviewed. Chronic suppurative otitis media with or without cholesteatoma was the main aetiology (89%). There was no difference in anatomical results between partial and total ossicular replacement prosthesis, with an overall dislocation rate of 6%, and an overall extrusion rate of 3%. Regarding functional results, a postoperative air-bone gap ≤ 20 dB was achieved in 65% of cases, with a better result for partial compared to total ossiculoplasty (p = 0.02). A significant difference in air bone gap closure was found when comparing aetiologies, with a higher air-bone gap closure in malformation cases compared to chronic suppurative otitis media with cholesteatoma or retraction cases (p = 0.03). Ossiculoplasty using titanium prosthesis is a safe and effective procedure for rehabilitation of hearing loss, which allows reaching an air-bone gap ≤ 20 dB in the majority of patients.

Stapes surgery in patients with a small air-bone gap.

The objective of this study was to determine hearing outcomes in patients undergoing stapes surgery with a preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) <21.25 dB. Patients with a unilateral or bilateral preoperative ABG <21.25 dB undergoing primary stapes surgery were identified from a database of all stapes surgeries performed in a tertiary center over 15 years. A total of 254 ears met the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome measure was the degree of closure of the preoperative ABG. A secondary outcome measure was improvement in bone-conduction thresholds at 4 kHz. All patients underwent stapes surgery under local anesthesia. Ossicular reconstruction was achieved using a SMart 360 nitinol fluoroplastic piston (Gyrus ACMI, Inc.; Southborough, Mass.), and complete posterior crurotomy was performed with a KTP laser. Hearing was assessed with clinical voice testing immediately postoperatively and with pure-tone audiometry at 6 weeks postoperatively. A total of 248 ears (97.6%) demonstrated ABG closure to <10 dB. Bone-conduction thresholds showed an increase in 114 (44.9%), no change 74 (29.1%), and a decrease in 66 (26.0%). There is a slight increase in the risk of stapes mobilization in ears with a small ABG when compared to those with larger ABGs; however, this can be overcome by using a laser-assisted technique in combination with good surgical experience. The benefit in terms of hearing aid avoidance and the restoration of symmetrical hearing is both achievable and significant for the patient.

The Bony Obliteration Tympanoplasty in Pediatric Cholesteatoma: Long-term Hearing Results.

To present the hearing results of a 5-year longitudinal study in a pediatric population undergoing surgery for extensive cholesteatoma using a canal wall up (CWU) approach with bony obliteration of the mastoid and epitympanic space, with a standard residual rate of 5.8%, a recurrence rate of 2.9%, and all ears waterproof, free of otorrhea and all external ear canals patent and self-cleaning. Retrospective consecutive study. Thirty-three children (≤18 yr) undergoing surgery for cholesteatoma (34 ears) between 1997 and 2009. Therapeutic. Tertiary referral center. Hearing and gain in hearing at 1- and 5-year postsurgery: (1) pure-tone average (PTA), (2) pure-tone average high frequency, (3) pure-tone average including 3 kHz, (4) bone conduction at corresponding frequency averages, (5) gain at corresponding air conduction and bone conduction (gain at corresponding air conduction) frequency averages. (6) The Amsterdam Hearing Evaluation Plots were used to study the individual cases. The Amsterdam Hearing Evaluation Plots at 5-year showed in 58.8% of patients a positive gain air conduction. In 23.5% a successful functional result was achieved, defined as an air-bone gap closure to 20 dBHL or less. In 6 patients (17.6%) a limited bone conduction deterioration was shown all limited to maximum 20 dBHL. The CWU bony obliteration tympanoplasty in a consecutive series of pediatric extensive cholesteatoma shows a similar to slightly improved hearing outcome as compared with CWU surgery without BOT. Although the series shows a clearly reduced reoperation rate and a significantly improved safety and hygienic outcome as compared with CWU without BOT, better hearing outcomes remain desirable in this group of children.

Comparative study of temporalis fascia graft versus cartilage shield tympanoplasty

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; The objective of the study was to demonstrate the comparative study in terms of graft uptake rate &amp;amp; hearing gain between cartilage shield tympanoplasty and temporalis fascia tympanoplasty in patients with moderate/ large/subtotal perforation.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Cartilage shield tympanoplasty and temporalis fascia tympanoplasty were conducted in Group A and Group B, respectively, each containing 30 patients with moderate/large/subtotal perforations. Pure tone audiogram (PTA) was performed preoperatively and at postoperative visit i.e. at 12&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; month, a greater than 10-dB closure of air bone gap (ABG) was considered significant. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The graft uptake rates were 93.33% and 86.67% in Group A and Group B, respectively, at the end of 10th week. In total, 90% in Group A and 88% in Group B had significant improvement in hearing (ABG ≥10 dB) at 12th week of surgery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Conchal cartilage is a possible graft material for cartilage shield tympanoplasty, especially in moderate, large &amp;amp; subtotal perforation, as it is showed superior autograft as compared to temporalis fascia, not only because of better graft uptake rate and less partial failure but also due to the comparable hearing improvement in terms of mean AB gap in both types of graft materials.&lt;/p&gt;

Outcomes of circumferential tympanomeatal flap tympanoplasty in large central perforation

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Tympanoplasty is the commonest procedure performed in patients with chronic otitis media. Circumferential elevation of tympanomeatal flap and underlay graft placement is thought to be a good surgical technique as it ensures elevation of canal skin over the Eustachian tube area to form a good assemble between the temporalis graft and the flap to increase the success rate. In our study we intend to study the surgical and hearing outcome in patients undergoing tympanoplasty with circumferential tympanomeatal flap in large central perforations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A prospective study with 25 patients in a tertiary care hospital for a period of 2 years, who underwent circumferential tympanomeatal flap tympanoplasty. Patients were followed up on one month and two months. Graft outcomes and hearing outcomes were studied. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Graft uptake was 92%. Blunting was noticed in 4% and medialisation in 4% of patients in circumferential group. Average air-bone gap closure achieved was 17.468 dB.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Circumferential flap elevation in tympanoplasty is an effective surgical technique in patients with anterior and large central perforations with satisfactory outcomes. &lt;/p&gt;

Prognostic roles of preoperative CT findings and air-bone gaps in type 1 tympanoplasty

Background: Although CT has been used widely, the role of preoperative CT findings including other factors in tympanoplasty has not been elucidated comprehensively.Aims/objectives: To evaluate relationship of CT findings with other factors and audiological results in type 1 tympanoplasty.Material and methods: A cohort of consecutive 175 patients with type 1 tympanoplasty was enrolled. Addition of mastoidectomy was based on the presence of soft tissue in antrum on CT. Postoperative air–bone gap (ABG) and reperforation rate were analyzed.Results: Positive soft tissue in antrum on CT was found in 52 (29.7%) patients and showed larger preoperative ABG than the negative group. Successful ABG closure (≤20 dB) was obtained in 97% when preoperative ABG ≤20 dB, but it decreased as the preoperative ABG increased (83% with preoperative ABG of 21–30 dB, and 0% with preoperative ABG >30 dB). Postoperative reperforation rate was positively related to the preoperative ABG, but not the presence of soft tissue in the antrum, the size, or locations of preoperative perforations.Conclusions and significance: Our findings showed that temporal bone CT was helpful in determining addition of mastoidectomy and the presence of soft tissue in the antrum was associated with large ABG.

Reporting in stapes surgery: are we following the guidelines?

This paper highlights the importance of reporting air-bone gap closure in stapes surgery according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery guidelines and reviews compliance in recent years. A retrospective case series was conducted and the outcomes were reviewed. Closure of the air-bone gap was calculated in 204 adult patients using the aforementioned guidelines. Results were recalculated ignoring the Carhart phenomenon to determine any significant difference. Adherence to guidelines was also reported as a secondary outcome. Ignoring the Carhart phenomenon resulted in 75 per cent over-reporting of successful air-bone gap closure (p < 0.001). Over-reporting occurred in 5.9 per cent of papers, and in 11.8 per cent it was difficult to determine how the results were reached. Despite the existence of clear guidelines, stapes surgery outcomes are still being over-reported as successful. This can lead to incorrect information being provided to patients during the consent process and makes comparative studies difficult.