Postoperative Management of Tympanoplasty with ChatGPT-4.0

Background: Tympanoplasty, essential for repairing tympanic membrane perforations, requires careful postoperative care for successful recovery. However, timely access to healthcare guidance can be challenging, especially in rural or underserved areas. ChatGPT-4, an artificial intelligence (AI) tool, offers a potential solution for continuous postoperative support and patient education. This study assesses the feasibility and effectiveness of using ChatGPT-4 as a supplementary information resource for tympanoplasty patients, focusing on its ability to provide accurate, precise, and relevant postoperative guidance in situations where access to healthcare professionals is limited. Methods: Ten commonly asked postoperative questions related to tympanoplasty were posed to ChatGPT-4, including queries on infection signs, activity restrictions, and wound care. Ten medical professionals evaluated the responses based on accuracy, response time, clarity, and relevance. Results: ChatGPT-4 provided responses that aligned well with current medical guidelines, achieving an accuracy rating between 80% and 100% across different questions. Response time was consistently fast, with 100% of responses delivered immediately. Clarity and relevance ratings were also high, with 90% or more responses rated as easy to understand and directly addressing patient concerns. Conclusion: ChatGPT-4 shows considerable promise as an adjunctive tool in postoperative tympanoplasty care, offering timely, understandable information that supports patients following aftercare instructions. While not a replacement for professional medical advice, ChatGPT-4's capability to deliver accurate and relevant information enhances accessibility to postoperative guidance, particularly in remote or resourcelimited settings, underscoring AI's growing role in otolaryngology patient support.