Our Summary

This study compared two types of surgery for children with chronic otitis media (an infection or inflammation of the middle ear): endoscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty (EIBCT) and microscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty (MIBCT). Both surgeries used cartilage from the ear (the tragus) as a graft.

The study included 79 children up to 16 years old who had one of the two surgeries at a hospital between 2013 and 2017. The researchers looked at different outcome measures including hearing tests, examinations of the eardrum, length of surgery and hospital stay, and success of the surgery.

The results showed that both types of surgery were successful, with EIBCT being slightly more successful than MIBCT. Both surgeries improved the children’s hearing and the length of surgery and hospital stay were similar for both. However, EIBCT was faster to perform than MIBCT.

The researchers concluded that EIBCT is a good option for children with chronic otitis media because it is safe and easy to perform, requires a smaller incision, and has been shown to have good results in the literature.

FAQs

  1. What types of surgery were compared in this study for children with chronic otitis media?
  2. How did the success rates of endoscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty (EIBCT) and microscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty (MIBCT) compare in the study?
  3. Why did the researchers conclude that EIBCT is a good option for children with chronic otitis media?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tympanoplasty is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and successful outcomes. This may include keeping the ear dry, avoiding activities that could put pressure on the ear, and attending follow-up appointments for monitoring and evaluation. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tympanoplasty include those with chronic otitis media, a perforated eardrum, recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or other middle ear problems that have not responded to other treatments. Tympanoplasty may also be recommended for patients with a history of ear trauma or previous unsuccessful ear surgeries. The specific type of tympanoplasty recommended will depend on the individual patient’s condition and the preferences of the surgeon.

Timeline

Before tympanoplasty, a patient may experience symptoms such as chronic ear infections, hearing loss, ear pain, and discharge from the ear. They may have undergone multiple rounds of antibiotic treatment with little improvement.

After tympanoplasty, a patient typically experiences relief from chronic ear infections, improved hearing, and decreased ear pain and discharge. The patient will also need to follow post-operative instructions such as keeping the ear dry and avoiding activities that could damage the eardrum. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor healing and ensure the success of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tympanoplasty include:

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with tympanoplasty surgery?
  2. How long will the recovery process take, and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  3. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional treatments after the surgery?
  4. How will the surgery affect my hearing and ear health in the long term?
  5. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I need to take after the surgery?
  6. How experienced are you in performing tympanoplasty surgeries, and what is your success rate?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for my condition?
  8. Can you explain the differences between endoscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty (EIBCT) and microscopic inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty (MIBCT) and why one may be recommended over the other?
  9. What can I do to prepare for the surgery, and are there any specific instructions I should follow before and after the procedure?
  10. How soon can I expect to see improvement in my symptoms and hearing after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Karataş M, Doğan S. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Jun;121:10-14. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.02.042. Epub 2019 Mar 3. PMID: 30851509