Canal Wall-down Tympanoplasty Research Articles

Canal wall up versus canal wall down mastoidectomy techniques in the pediatric population with cholesteatoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

The optimal surgical management of cholesteatoma remains controversial. Within pediatric otolaryngology, one of the most vital points of contention is the selection of canal wall-up (CWU) versus canal wall-down (CWD) procedures. Pediatric cholesteatoma has high rates of recurrence (16%-54%). In adults, there is evidence that the selection of surgical techniques affects recurrence rates. This has not been shown in children. 1. To systematically review the literature on recurrent and residual cholesteatoma after CWU and CWD in children and perform a meta-analysis of the data. 2. To assess the rates of recurrent and residual cholesteatoma between CWU and CWD techniques in pediatric patients. 3. To assess hearing outcomes by evaluating postoperative differences in the air-bone gap (ABG) between CWU and CWD techniques. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Collaboration was performed from inception to May 1st, 2020, to identify studies that compared CWU and CWD procedures for acquired cholesteatoma in children. Search records were screened in duplicate by four reviewers. Inclusion criteria consisted of comparative randomized clinical trials and observational studies assessing outcomes of CWU and CWD techniques in the pediatric population. Studies involving patients with congenital cholesteatoma were excluded. Four reviewers working independently and in duplicate systematically reviewed and extracted study data. Dichotomous variables were analyzed as risk ratios (RR), while continuous variables were compared using weighted mean differences (MD). The risk of bias was assessed using the CLARITY Scale. The outcomes were recurrence, residual disease, air-bone gap (ABG), and air conductive (AC) thresholds. After screening 1036 publications, 17 retrospective cohort studies were selected. 1333 children were included; the overall mean age was ten years (SD 7.9), and the overall mean follow-up time was 5.9 years (SD 6.6). CWU and CWD techniques were performed in 60% (796) and 40% (537) cases. We did not find differences in cholesteatoma recurrence (RR: 1.50, 95% CI 0.94; 2.40; n=544; I2 0%; Tau [2]: 0.00), or rates of residual cholesteatoma (RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.96; 2.38, n=506; I2: 0%; Tau [2]: 0.00) in patients who underwent CWU and CWD mastoidectomy. The mean air-bone gap was lower with CWU than CWD (mean difference: 7.60, 95% CI -10.65; -4.54; n=242; I2: 71%; Tau [2]: 5.98). and relevance: We show similar rates of recurrence and residual disease after either CWU or CWD tympanoplasty. Our results challenge the fundamental principle of CWD surgery as a standard technique, as there is no difference in rates of recurrence and residual disease in CWU and CWD. Moreover, audiometric results support CWU with improved hearing outcomes. PROSPERO identifier: CRD42020184029.

Experience in the management of sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis secondary to middle ear cholesteatoma

ObjectiveTo discuss the management of sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis secondary to middle ear cholesteatoma.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all cases of sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis caused by middle ear cholesteatoma over a period of 7 years. 7 male and 2 female patients, ranging in age from 9 to 66 years, were diagnosed with sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis by clinical presentation and radiological examination. By executing a modified mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty (canal wall-down tympanoplasty) to entirely remove the cholesteatoma-like mastoid epithelium, all patients were effectively treated surgically without opening the sigmoid sinus. All patients were treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, but no anticoagulants were used.Results9 patients had otogenic symptoms such as ear pus, tympanic membrane perforation, and hearing loss. In the initial stage of the surgery, modified mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty were performed on 8 of the 9 patients. 1 patient with a brain abscess underwent puncturing (drainage of the abscess) to relieve cranial pressure, and 4 months later, a modified mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty were carried out. Following surgery and medication, the clinical symptoms of every patient improved. After the follow-up of 6 months to 7 years, 3 patients were re-examined for MRV and showed partial sigmoid sinus recovery with recanalization. 4 months following middle ear surgery, the extent of a patient's brain abscess lesions was significantly reduced. 1 patient experienced facial paralysis after surgery and recovered in 3 months. None of the patients had a secondary illness, an infection, or an abscess in a distant organ.ConclusionThe key to a better prognosis is an adequate course of perioperative antibiotic medication coupled with surgical treatment. A stable sigmoid sinus thrombus can remain for a long time after middle ear lesions have been removed, and it is less likely to cause infection and abscesses in the distant organs. The restoration of middle ear ventilation is facilitated by tympanoplasty. It is important to work more closely with multidisciplinary teams such as neurology and neurosurgery when deciding whether to perform lateral sinusotomies to remove thrombus or whether to administer anticoagulation.Graphical abstract

Quality of life after cholesteatoma surgery: comparison between surgical techniques.

SUMMARYObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term quality of life (QoL) in patients operated for cholesteatoma by canal wall-up tympanoplasty (CWUT) or canal wall-down tympanoplasty (CWDT) with mastoid obliteration.MethodsQoL was evaluated by the Chronic Otitis Media Questionnaire - 12 (COMQ-12). For each patient, the total score and three partial subscores, concerning disease activity, functional impairment and general impact on the patient’s life were calculated. These scores were correlated with the surgical technique, as well as anatomical and functional results.Results68 procedures were classified as CWUT and 78 as CWDT with obliteration. The mean follow-up was 65 months. Total and partial COMQ-12 scores did not show any significant difference between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed a significant direct association between the postoperative Air-Bone Gap (ABG) and both the COMQ-12 total score and functional subscore in the CWUT group.ConclusionsThis is the first study comparing CWUT and CWDT with obliteration with the COMQ-12, thus confirming the overlapping results in terms of QoL. These findings, together with the evidence of the significantly lower rates of recidivism, show that CWDT with obliteration should be considered as a good alternative to CWUT.

Canal wall down approach for tympano-mastoid cholesteatoma: long-term results and prognostic factors.

SUMMARYThe aim of this study is to analyse the long-term anatomical and functional outcomes and prognostic factors of the canal wall down (CWD) tympanoplasty for the treatment of tympano-mastoid cholesteatoma. A total of 895 patients treated for tympano-mastoid cholesteatoma with follow-up longer than 10 years were included. Recidivism (recurrent and residual) cholesteatoma rates and functional results were analysed. The rate of recidivism was 7.7% (6.7% persistence and 1% recurrent disease). Recidivism was higher in paediatric patients (10.1% versus 5.0% of adults). Pathological middle ear mucosa and pars tensa was associated with increased rates of recidivism. Postoperatively, air pure-tone-average (aPTA) ≤ 30 dB was achieved in 36.4% of patients. Of 895 patients, a revision CWD tympanoplasty for chronic otorrhoea was performed in 14 cases (1.5%) with complete recovery in all cases. Nine of those patients had a recurrence of cholesteatoma and five had cavity problems related to granulation, de-epithelisation or recurrent infection. Paediatric patients and absence of stapes superstructure were associated with the worst auditory outcomes. Six-month results were always better than long-term results. A CWD approach was demonstrated to be effective, achieving the goals of cholesteatoma treatment.

Polyglycolic acid sheet attached with fibrin glue can facilitate faster epithelialization of the mastoid cavity after canal wall-down tympanoplasty

Polyglycolic acid sheet attached with fibrin glue can facilitate faster epithelialization of the mastoid cavity after canal wall-down tympanoplasty

Canal wall-down procedure with soft posterior meatal wall reconstruction in acquired cholesteatoma: focus on postoperative middle ear status

Objectives: We reviewed surgical results of canal wall-down tympanoplasty (CWDT) with soft posterior meatal wall reconstruction (SWR) for acquired cholesteatoma (AC), and identified factors associated with surgical outcomes.Methods: Results from 119 ears with AC (pars flaccida, n = 99; pars tensa, n = 20) that underwent CWDT with SWR were retrospectively reviewed. We defined postoperative balloon-like retraction (PBR) with web formation, which needed reoperation to clean accumulated cerumen, as postoperative deep retraction pocket (PDRP).Results: Residual cholesteatoma was found in 11 ears (9.2%). Seven residual cholesteatomas were treated with outpatient operation. Seven ears (5.9%) showed PDRP. A transcanal approach was applied to all PDRPs. Postoperative mastoid reaeration was observed in 57 ears (47.9%). No factors significantly associated with residual cholesteatoma or PDRP were identified. The frequency of postoperative mastoid reaeration was significantly higher among cases with young age (<50 years), stage I cholesteatoma, or type I ossiculoplasty.Conclusion: CWDT with SWR showed low rates of residual cholesteatoma or postoperative deep retraction pocket (PDRP). Most residual cholesteatomas and PDRPs could be dealt with using a minimally invasive procedure. Young age, stage I cholesteatoma, and type I ossiculoplasty were associated with postoperative mastoid reaeration. This procedure seems fully feasible for surgical treatment of AC.

Effect of esterified hyaluronic acid as middle ear packing in tympanoplasty for adhesive otitis media

Objectives: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of middle ear packing agents (MEPA) on post-operative hearing improvement and complications after tympanoplasty in patients with adhesive otitis media (OM).Materials and methods: Patients with adhesive OM who underwent tympanoplasty surgery were enrolled in the study between January 2012 and January 2015. A total of 205 patients who received canal wall-down tympanoplasty with ossicular chain reconstruction were randomized into one of the three groups with different MEPA. Group 1 (n = 72) received MeroGel as the MEPA, Group 2 (n = 64) cartilage, and Group 3 (n = 69) both. Air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz were measured, and air-bone gaps (ABG) were analyzed before and after the surgery for each patient.Results: Mean pre- and post-operative ABG was 30.9 dB and 17.6 dB in Group 1, 31.4 dB and 21.9 dB in Group 2, and 32.2 dB and 19.1 dB in Group 3. The ABG closure was 13.3 ± 7.5 in Group 1, 9.5 ± 5.9 in Group 2, and 13.1 ± 9.3 in Group 3. The improvement of ABG after surgery was statistically significant in all three groups (p < .05). The ABG closure was statistically significantly smaller in Group 2 than in other two groups (p < .05).Conclusions: Tympanoplasty using esterified hyaluronic acid (i.e. MeroGel) or cartilage as the MEPA resulted in improved hearing for patients with conductive hearing loss due to adhesive OM. Using MeroGel as the MEPA appeared to achieve a better post-operative outcome than using cartilage.

Polyglycolic acid sheet attached with fibrin glue can facilitate faster epithelialization of the mastoid cavity after canal wall-down tympanoplasty

ObjectiveThis study retrospectively investigated whether polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheet attached to the bone surface using fibrin glue facilitate faster epithelialization of the mastoid bowl after canal wall-down (CWD) tympanoplasty compared to a simple dressing using poly-N-acetyl-glucosamine (Kichin) sheet. Materials and MethodsAfter completion of the CWD tympanoplasty, PGA sheet (n=16, PGA group) with fibrin glue or Kichin sheet (n=38, Kichin group) were placed on the bone surface of the mastoid bowl. ResultsPostoperative epithelialization of the mastoid cavity was significantly (p<0.05) faster in the PGA group than in the Kichin group (mean 135 versus 244 days, respectively). Use of the Kaplan–Meier method showed that only the short-term epithelialization rate (up to 100 days after operation) was significantly higher. No major adverse effects related to either procedure were seen. ConclusionEpithelialization of the mastoid bowl after CWD tympanoplasty was faster in the postoperative short term when it was dressed with PGA sheet using fibrin glue compared with Kichin sheet.

The effects of surgery type and different ossiculoplasty materials on the hearing results in cholesteatoma surgery.

To investigate the effects of surgery type [intact canal wall (ICW) or canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy] and different ossiculoplasty materials on hearing outcome in single-staged cholesteatoma surgery. A retrospective case-control study. A total of 116 cases (97 adults, 29 children) underwent surgery, including ossiculoplasty, between 2012 and 2015 for cholesteatoma. Patients who had undergone surgery for the first time, and whose grafts were successful, were included in the study. Patients with adhesive otitis media, unsuccessful grafts, revision and recurrent cases, radical mastoidectomy, and craniofacial anomalies were excluded. Audiogram examinations of the enrolled patients were performed 3-6months after surgery, and the audiometric results were analyzed according to the criteria of the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. All ossiculoplasties were performed during the first operation. The preoperative average air-bone gap (ABG) of the patients was decreased from 31.37±10.1 to 27.42±10.4dB; this decrease was found to be highly significant (p=0.0001). Concerning the ICW technique, statistical evaluation of the hearing gain at frequencies of 500, 1000, and 2000Hz, as well as the mean frequency, showed a high level of significance. Improvement at 4000Hz was not found to be statistically significant. When the ABGs at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000Hz, and the mean frequency in patients with an hydroxyapatite-partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (HA-PORP) or autograft-partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (APORP), were evaluated, it was found that, at 4000Hz, the APORP significantly reduced the ABG (p=0.02). No significant difference was determined between patients with the hydroxyapatite-total ossicular replacement prosthesis (HA-TORP) and those with the autograft-total ossicular replacement prosthesis (ATORP) (p=0.565). Although the use of the malleus as an APORP was found to be less effective than other autografts, the degree of advantage of using the incus, malleus, cortical bone, and cartilage did not significantly differ between materials (p=0.152). Despite the effects of the incus, malleus, and cortical bone not differing in terms of the postoperative ABG (p=0.160), incus usage was highly beneficial for hearing gain (p=0.009). Despite CWD tympanoplasty affecting all frequencies, it has a particularly negative effect on the hearing threshold at 1000Hz. In patients with partial ossicular replacement, autogenous grafts are more successful in restoring hearing at high frequencies, particularly at 4000Hz. Although autogenous materials do not differ in terms of partial replacement effectiveness, the incus has been shown to be most effective for total replacement.

The impact of postoperative antrum pneumatization on hearing outcome after canal wall-down tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction for cholesteatoma

The impact of postoperative antrum pneumatization on hearing outcome after canal wall-down tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction for cholesteatoma

Acquired cholesteatoma in children: Clinical features and surgical results

Acquired cholesteatoma in children is an aggressive disease due to its rapid growth and high recurrence rate. ObjectiveTo assess clinical features of cholesteatoma in children and evaluate our experience in the surgical management of this disease. MethodsFourty children aged 5–16years operated on for acquired middle ear cholesteatoma (2002–2011), were included in our study. Surgery was bilateral for 3 patients, which makes a total number of 43 operated ears. Functional and anatomical results were evaluated after a minimum follow-up of 3years. ResultsMean age at the first operation was 11.7years. Canal wall-up tympanoplasty (CWUT) was performed as first-line procedure in 74% of cases. Canal wall-down tympanoplasty (CWDT) was performed in 26% of cases when cholesteatoma was hardly controllable with a CWUT. Cartilage graft was used in all cases for eardrum reinforcement. After a mean interval of 12.2months, second look procedure aimed to verify a residual cholesteatoma in 8 cases and perform an ossiculoplasty in one case. Total cholesteatoma recurrence rate was 18% with CWUT and 9% with CWDT (p=0.4). Predictive factors for recurrence were: children<10years (p=0.02) and ossicular chain resorption (p=0.04). Post-operative ABG⩽25dB was seen in 53% of CWUT against 18% of CWDT (p=0.04). ConclusionCWUT is the optimal management technique offering better hearing results, however, prevention of recurrences are considered to be better with CWDT.

Relationships between facial canal dehiscence and other intraoperative findings in chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma

ObjectiveWe investigated the relationship between facial canal dehiscence and intraoperative middle ear and mastoid findings in patients operated on for cholesteatoma. MethodsWe examined retrospectively 334 patients who had been operated on for cholesteatoma in Izmir Katip Celebi University, Ataturk Research and Training Hospital, ENT Clinic, between April 1997 and April 2010. The patients were examined for facial canal dehiscence according to age, gender, side of the ear, surgery type, first or revision surgery, localization of the facial canal dehiscence, spread of the cholesteatoma, with the presence of lateral semi-circular canal (LSCC) fistula and any defect in the ossicle chain, and destruction in the posterior wall of the external auditory canal(EAC). ResultsOf the patients, 23.6% had facial canal dehiscence and detected most commonly in the right ear 28.9% and tympanic segment, 83.5%. Facial canal dehiscence was found to be 24.2-fold more common in patients with LSCC fistula and 4.1-fold more common in patients with destruction in the posterior wall of the (EAC). In patients located cholesteatoma in tympanic cavity+antrum and the tympanic cavity+all mastoid cells and with incus and stapes defect, increased incidence of dehiscence. Age, first or revision operation and canal wall down tympanoplasty (CWDT) or canal wall up tympanoplasty (CWUT) did not affect the incidence of dehiscence. ConclusionsThat the likelihood of facial canal dehiscence occurrence is increased in patients with LSSC fistulas, destruction in the posterior wall of the EAC, or a stapes defect is important information for surgeons.

Quality of Life After Cholesteatoma Surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate, by means of the Chronic Ear Survey (CES), the quality of life of patients who had undergone either intact-canal wall tympanoplasty (ICWT) or canal wall-down tympanoplasty (CWDT) with mastoid obliteration. This was a retrospective case review study performed at a tertiary referral center. Among 379 patients affected by middle ear and mastoid cholesteatoma operated on between November 2000 and December 2009, 50 patients who underwent ICWT and 50 who underwent CWDT with mastoid obliteration were randomly selected. The CES scores were analyzed for both groups. The mean scores on the CES were 6.5 ± 2.1 in patients who underwent CWDT and 6.9 ± 2.2 in patients treated with ICWT (t = -0.93; p > 0.05). No significant differences between the two groups were found on the activity restriction, symptom, or medical resource subscales (p > 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that CWDT with mastoid obliteration resulted in a quality of life comparable with that after ICWT. Postoperative hearing loss is the most frequently reported problem for both techniques.

A rare case of endolymphatic sac tumour: clinicopathologic study and surgical management.

Objective. Endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is a rare neoplasm arising from the intrapetrous portion of the endolymphatic sac, either isolated or in association with the von Hippel-Lindau disease. We report a sporadic case of ELST with an overview of the literature and a discussion of clinic-radiological, histopathologic, and surgical findings. Case Report. A young woman presented with a progressive hearing loss in the left ear. Otoscopy showed a reddish, bleeding hypotympanic mass. CT demonstrated an expansile lytic mastoid lesion extending to the middle ear, with bone erosion. MRI confirmed a lesion of increased signal on T1-weighted sequences. The patient underwent a canal wall-down tympanoplasty with complete removal of the tumor. Histopathology was consistent with a papillary ELST. Immunohistochemistry was positive for cytokeratin and chromogranin A. Conclusion. This paper highlights the rarity of ELST, the need for an accurate neuroradiological and immunohistochemical study at the early stages, and the timeliness of surgical treatment.

Predictive value of middle ear aeration before second-stage operation in staged tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction

Conclusion: The extent of middle ear aeration before second-stage canal wall-down (CWD) tympanoplasty was correlated with postoperative middle ear stability. Objective: To evaluate middle ear aeration before second-stage CWD tympanoplasty as a predictor of postoperative re-aeration potential and external auditory canal (EAC) stability in staged CWD tympanoplasty with soft-wall reconstruction (SWR). Methods: Middle ear aeration was evaluated before and at 1 year after the second-stage operation in patients who underwent staged CWD tympanoplasty with SWR for middle ear cholesteatoma. Based on the computed tomography (CT) findings, middle ear aeration was graded as A when the mastoid and tympanic cavities were aerated, B when only the tympanic cavity was aerated, and C in cases with no aeration in the tympanic cavity. We also examined postoperative EAC stability. Results: Forty-one ears were included. In all, 17 of 19 ears (89.5%) with grade A aeration preoperatively maintained grade A aeration postoperatively, while 5 of 18 ears (27.8%) with grade B aeration had grade A aeration, and no ear with grade C aeration had recovered grade A aeration. All ears with grade A aeration preoperatively maintained smooth EACs. EAC retraction requiring additional treatment occurred in five ears with grade B aeration and all ears with grade C aeration.

The site of origin of nasal polyposis in the ethmoid subcompartments assessed from clinical observation of ninety‐four nasal cavities

Keypoints  Combined transmastoid and middle fossa approach is the most used approach for meningoencephalic herniations associated tympano-mastoid infection.  A retrospective cohort study was conducted to report the efficacy of a one stage transmastoid approach with canal wall-down tympanoplasty for meningoencephalic herniations associated with cholesteatoma.  Exclusive transmastoid approach with downward repair of the base of the skull with a fragment of remodelled mastoid cortex (or mastoid tip in revision mastoidectomies) and seal using bone dust and partial obliteration of the mastoid cavity was used in all cases.  No postoperative complications, no residual or recurrentcholesteatomasandnorecurrentherniations were observed. Postoperative air-bone gap was within 20 dB in 10 (56%) patients, and there were no cases of bone threshold impairment.  Single-stage canal wall-down tympanoplasty can be considered a clinically-effective approach to treat meningoencephalic herniations associated with cholesteatoma.

Relationship between tympanic membrane retraction and habitual sniffing in patients with cholesteatoma

Conclusion: Habitual sniffing affects the pathogenicity and recurrence of cholesteatoma. Postoperative instructions requesting patients to cease sniffing may reduce the retraction and recurrence of cholesteatoma. Objective: To examine the relationship between tympanic membrane retraction and habitual sniffing in patients with cholesteatoma. Methods: We recruited 98 patients (102 ears) who were surgically treated for cholesteatoma by canal wall-down tympanoplasty (22 ears) or canal wall-down tympanoplasty with reconstruction methods (80 ears). We classified these patients into two groups on the basis of their preoperative habitual sniffing: habitual and non-habitual sniffers. The findings of the contralateral tympanic membrane were examined in each group and were classified according to the Tos classifications. Next, we evaluated the incidence of 1-year postoperative tympanic membrane retraction treated by the canal-down tympanoplasty with reconstruction method in the following three groups: non-habitual sniffing group, sniffing cessation group, and continual sniffing group. Results: In habitual sniffers, the Tos classifications of contralateral tympanic membrane were normal in 7% (3/41). In contrast, for non-habitual sniffers, the findings were normal in 39% (21/54). These results indicate that sniffing causes tympanic membrane retraction. The tympanic membranes of patients in the sniffing cessation group were largely normal after surgery. However, more than 50% of the patients who continued to sniff after surgery showed retraction or recurrent cholesteatoma.

Application of hyperdry amniotic membrane patches without fibrin glue over the bony surface of mastoid cavities in canal wall down tympanoplasty

Conclusion: Fibrin glue might be an inessential bioadhesive for attachment of hyperdry amniotic membrane (AM) patches in canal wall down (CWD) tympanoplasty. Objective: To clarify the pliability and adherence capability of human hyperdry AM, the feasibility of fixing hyperdry AM without fibrin glue to the bony surface of the mastoid cavity was evaluated in CWD tympanoplasty. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review. In seven ears of seven patients, the AM was simply attached over the bony surface of the mastoid cavity without fibrin glue (AMG(–) group). In 22 ears of 20 other patients, hyperdry AM (11 ears of 11 patients, AMG(+) group) or temporal fascia (11 ears of 9 patients, TFG(+) group) was attached over the bony surface of the mastoid cavity with fibrin glue. Times for graft epithelization were compared among the three groups. Results: Complete epithelization of the mastoid cavity took place in all patients in all three groups. The mean time to complete epithelization of the graft in the AMG(–) and AMG(+) groups was significantly faster than that in the TFG(+) group (p < 0.05) and was not significantly different between the two AM groups (p > 0.05).

Results of Primary Ossiculoplasty and Prognostic Factors in Canal Wall-Down Tympanoplasty

The ideal goals of chronic middle ear surgery should be the permanent removal of disease and the preservation of good hearing function. The postoperative outcome of hearing and the status of middle ear after canal wall-down tympanoplasty with primary ossiculoplasty were studied in 192 ears with chronic middle ear disease. Cholesteatoma was present in 121 (63.0%) of 192 cases; in the remaining 71 cases (27.0%), there was middle ear mucosa disease without cholesteatoma. The stapes superstructure was present in 142 (73.9%) of 192 cases. The results of preoperative and postoperative pure-tone averages were 55.12 (SD, 4.92) and 35.81 (SD, 4.84) dB, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative air-bone gaps in 192 cases were 32.70 (SD, 5.18) and 21.16 (SD, 5.09) dB, respectively. The mean hearing gain of the 192 ears was 19.17 (SD, 6.09) dB. The presence of stapes superstructure positively affects hearing status. Also, better hearing results were obtained in cholesteatoma cases presented. Recurrences of disease were seen rarely compared with literature. It was revealed that the postoperative outcome of primary canal wall-down tympanoplasty with ossicular chain reconstruction is suitable for safe ear and hearing ear.

Chorda tympani nerve analysis with electron microscopy in chronic suppurative otitis media

Conclusion: Chronic suppurative otitis media causes some disturbance to the chorda tympani nerve (CTN), which may affect the facial nerve. It is not possible to perform a biopsy of the main truncus of the facial nerve, therefore studies of the CTN might show possible pathologic or physiologic changes of the facial nerve in the future. Objectives: The specific aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic suppurative otitis media on the CTN. Methods: The tympanic segments of CTNs were collected for ultrastructural investigations in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media who underwent canal wall-down tympanoplasty. The study population comprised 10 patients, 7 males, 3 females; the age range was 16–66 years, and the mean age was 38. Qualitative and semiquantitative evaluations were performed on the specimens of CTN by electron microscopy. Results: Our histopathologic examinations showed that there were changes of varying severity in all the CTNs such as scarcity of unmyelinated nerve fibers, Schwann cell nucleus condensation, scarcity of Schwann cell cytoplasm, adaxonal vacuolation and edema, myelin sheath disintegration, shrunken electron-dense axoplasm, increased collagen fibers, adaxonal circular lamellar complex, interstitial edema, and vacuolation of Schwann cell cytoplasm.