Our Summary

This research paper discusses a new surgical technique used for repairing holes in the ear drum (anterior and subtotal perforations) called endoscopic transcanal lateral graft tympanoplasty. The study looks at the results from patients who underwent this procedure between May 2014 and August 2015, and compares these results to previous published outcomes from an older surgical method called post-auricular microscopic lateral graft tympanoplasty.

For this new method, a small camera (endoscope) is used to guide the surgeon, which allows the procedure to be performed through the ear canal, avoiding the need for an incision behind the ear. The study found that this new technique was successful in closing the hole in the ear drum for 90% of the patients. The time taken for the operation averaged about 160 minutes. The average improvement in hearing (measured in decibels) was 18 dB. Two patients experienced a slight decline in their hearing, but for all other patients, their hearing either improved or remained the same.

The results from this new technique were similar to those from the older surgical approach. The researchers concluded that more studies with larger groups of patients are needed to better understand the benefits and limitations of this new surgical method.

FAQs

  1. What is endoscopic transcanal lateral graft tympanoplasty?
  2. How successful was the new surgical technique in closing the hole in the ear drum according to the study?
  3. How does the new surgical method compare to the older method, post-auricular microscopic lateral graft tympanoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about tympanoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the ear dry and avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear, such as heavy lifting or straining. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tympanoplasty are those with a perforated ear drum, specifically anterior and subtotal perforations. These perforations can result from various causes such as chronic ear infections, trauma, or previous ear surgery.

Tympanoplasty is recommended for patients who experience symptoms such as hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, or ear discharge due to the perforation in the ear drum. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) to determine if tympanoplasty is the appropriate treatment option for them.

In the study mentioned above, patients who underwent endoscopic transcanal lateral graft tympanoplasty had successful outcomes in closing the hole in the ear drum and improving their hearing. This new surgical technique may be recommended for patients who are suitable candidates for tympanoplasty and who may benefit from a less invasive approach with potentially shorter operative times and improved outcomes.

Overall, tympanoplasty is recommended for patients with perforated ear drums who are experiencing symptoms that impact their quality of life, and the decision to undergo surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty:

  1. Patients may experience symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and recurrent ear infections.
  2. Patients undergo a consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to discuss treatment options.
  3. Hearing tests and imaging studies may be performed to evaluate the extent of the damage to the ear drum.
  4. The surgical procedure is scheduled, and pre-operative instructions are given to the patient.

After tympanoplasty:

  1. Patients are monitored in the recovery room immediately after surgery.
  2. Patients may experience mild pain or discomfort in the ear, which can be managed with pain medication.
  3. Patients are given post-operative instructions on how to care for their ear, including keeping the ear dry and avoiding activities that could damage the repair.
  4. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and assess hearing improvement.
  5. Patients gradually return to normal activities, with restrictions on heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a certain period of time.
  6. Hearing improvement is assessed over time, with most patients experiencing improved or stabilized hearing after the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of tympanoplasty in closing the hole in the ear drum?
  2. How long does the tympanoplasty procedure typically take?
  3. What is the average improvement in hearing that patients can expect after tympanoplasty?
  4. Are there any potential risks or complications associated with tympanoplasty?
  5. How does the endoscopic transcanal lateral graft tympanoplasty technique compare to the traditional post-auricular microscopic lateral graft tympanoplasty in terms of outcomes and recovery time?
  6. What is the expected recovery time after undergoing tympanoplasty?
  7. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities?
  8. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions that I should follow?
  9. Will I need to follow up with the surgeon after the tympanoplasty procedure?
  10. What are the potential long-term effects or considerations after undergoing tympanoplasty?

Reference

Authors: Creighton FX Jr, Kozin E, Rong A, Cohen M, Lee D. Journal: Otol Neurotol. 2019 Dec;40(10):e989-e992. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000002400. PMID: 31568133