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Updated: May 13, 2026
08:47
Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Surgery
Published on: January 19, 2022
Cartilage tympanoplasty: a reliable technique for smokers
E Kyrodimos1, G A Stamatiou, E Margaritis
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Hippokration General Hospital, National University of Athens, 114 Queen Sofia Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece.
Summary
Cartilage tympanoplasty (CT) is effective for smokers and non-smokers, achieving excellent graft take and hearing improvement. This study found no significant difference in outcomes between the two groups.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Innovation
- Audiology
Background:
- Tympanic membrane perforations are common, often requiring surgical repair.
- Smoking is a known risk factor for poorer surgical outcomes, but its impact on cartilage tympanoplasty is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of cartilage tympanoplasty (CT) in active smokers compared to non-smokers.
- To assess graft success and hearing outcomes in patients undergoing CT.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 52 patients who underwent CT between 2008 and 2010.
- Conchal cartilage grafts were used, shaped according to mastoidectomy type.
- Pre- and post-operative audiologic evaluations were performed, with a mean follow-up of 12 months.
Main Results:
- All patients achieved successful graft take.
- Overall average pure tone average air-bone gap (PTA-ABG) improved from 52.2 dB to 35.4 dB (16.8 dB improvement, p < 0.001).
- Smokers and non-smokers showed comparable hearing improvements (17.6 dB vs. 16.8 dB) and rates of achieving PTA-ABG ≤ 25 dB (70% vs. 76%).
Conclusions:
- Cartilage tympanoplasty is a highly effective procedure for restoring hearing in patients with tympanic membrane perforations, irrespective of smoking status.
- Smoking does not appear to negatively impact graft success or hearing outcomes following cartilage tympanoplasty.
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