Our Summary

This study is about a new technique used to repair holes in the eardrum. The method, called ’transcanal endoscopic lateral cartilage graft tympanoplasty’, was tested on 31 patients (34 ears) between 2014 and 2016. Most patients were under 18 and all had holes in their eardrums. Some of these holes were almost complete, while others were accompanied by inflammation of the eardrum.

The researchers used a graft made from cartilage to repair the eardrum in 97% of the patients. They followed up with the patients for an average of about 10 months. The initial success rate of the surgery was 88.2%, meaning that most of the holes were successfully closed. For those where the hole wasn’t closed the first time, the team performed a revision surgery which increased the success rate to 97.1%.

After the operation, some patients needed additional treatment for inflammation of the eardrum. The operation also led to significant improvement in hearing levels and the gap between the softest and loudest sounds the patients could hear.

In conclusion, the new technique looks promising, but more data is needed to see how it performs in the long run and compared to other techniques.

FAQs

  1. What is the ’transcanal endoscopic lateral cartilage graft tympanoplasty’ technique?
  2. What was the success rate of the new technique used for repairing holes in the eardrum?
  3. What were some of the results experienced by patients after the operation using the transcanal endoscopic lateral cartilage graft tympanoplasty technique?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing tympanoplasty to follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear, such as blowing the nose forcefully or diving underwater. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly. Additionally, maintaining good ear hygiene and avoiding exposure to loud noises can help support successful healing and overall ear health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tympanoplasty are those with holes in their eardrums, whether due to trauma, infection, or other causes. This study specifically focused on patients who were under 18 years old and had holes in their eardrums, some of which were almost complete. Patients with inflammation of the eardrum were also included in the study.

Tympanoplasty may be recommended for patients who experience symptoms such as hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, ear discharge, or ear pain. The decision to undergo tympanoplasty is usually made after a thorough evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Overall, tympanoplasty is a common surgical procedure used to repair the eardrum and improve hearing in patients with perforations or other issues. The new technique tested in this study showed promising results in terms of closing the eardrum holes and improving hearing levels, but further research is needed to fully evaluate its long-term effectiveness and compare it to other surgical techniques.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty:

  1. Patient presents with a hole in the eardrum and possibly inflammation of the eardrum.
  2. Patient undergoes evaluation to determine the extent of the damage and the best course of treatment.
  3. Surgery is scheduled and the patient is prepared for the procedure.

After tympanoplasty:

  1. Patient undergoes tympanoplasty using the ’transcanal endoscopic lateral cartilage graft tympanoplasty’ technique.
  2. Initial success rate of the surgery is measured and any holes that were not closed are identified.
  3. Patients are followed up for an average of about 10 months to monitor healing and any complications.
  4. Revision surgery may be performed if the eardrum does not fully heal.
  5. Patients may need additional treatment for inflammation of the eardrum post-surgery.
  6. Significant improvement in hearing levels and sound perception is observed in patients who underwent the surgery.
  7. Long-term data is needed to fully assess the effectiveness of the new technique compared to other methods.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is tympanoplasty and why do I need it?
  2. What are the risks and complications associated with tympanoplasty?
  3. How long is the recovery period after tympanoplasty?
  4. Will I experience any pain or discomfort after the surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of tympanoplasty with the new technique you are recommending?
  6. How long do the results of tympanoplasty typically last?
  7. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  8. How will tympanoplasty affect my hearing levels?
  9. Are there any restrictions or precautions I should take after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments for repairing a hole in the eardrum that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Wick CC, Arnaoutakis D, Kaul VF, Isaacson B. Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Oct;157(4):683-689. doi: 10.1177/0194599817709436. Epub 2017 Jun 6. PMID: 28585463