Comparison of Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Tympanoplasty: A Prospective Randomised Study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Chronic otitis media (COM) is a common condition requiring surgical intervention.
• Tympanoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair the eardrum and middle ear ossicles.
• Traditional microscopic tympanoplasty is compared against the newer endoscopic approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare endoscopic versus microscopic tympanoplasty.
• To evaluate graft uptake and hearing outcomes between the two surgical methods.

Main Methods:

• A randomized prospective observational study involved 60 patients with inactive mucosal chronic otitis media.
• Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (endoscopic tympanoplasty) and Group B (microscopic tympanoplasty).
• Outcomes assessed included graft uptake, hearing improvement, intraoperative visualization, surgeon comfort, surgery duration, and postoperative pain/giddiness.

Main Results:

• No significant difference was observed in postoperative graft success rate or hearing improvement between endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty groups.
• Intraoperative visualization of middle ear structures was superior in the endoscopic group.
• Surgical duration was significantly shorter in the endoscopic tympanoplasty group.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopic and microscopic tympanoplasty yield comparable graft acceptance and hearing improvement rates in mucosal chronic otitis media.
• The endoscopic approach provides enhanced visualization of middle ear structures.
• Endoscopic tympanoplasty demonstrates a shorter operative time compared to the microscopic method.