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Early healing and hearing improvement following type one tympanoplasty using the 'drum sandwich' technique
1Department of Otolaryngology, Khon-kaen Hospital, Thailand.
Background:
The results of a number of tympanic membrane perforation closure techniques have been reported. However, relatively little has been published on the 'drum sandwich' technique.
Method:
Retrospective chart review of 123 patients undergoing type one tympanoplasty, performed by one surgeon using the drum sandwich technique.
Results:
Ninety-two per cent of perforations were successfully closed, and 87 per cent of patients had healed ears and were free from aural discharge 6 weeks following surgery. Post-operative hearing data were only available for 81 ears. Of these, 58 per cent had closure of the air-bone gap to within 10 dB. The mean hearing gain for the group was 10.6 dB.
Conclusion:
The drum sandwich technique produces rapid healing of the ear with acceptable hearing outcomes. Drum closure rates are comparable with those reported for other techniques.
