A Study of One-Day Bilateral Endoscopic Tympanoplasty vs. Conventional Microscopic Tympanoplasty

Stuti Shukla1, Sama Rizvi1, Raphella Khan2

  • 1Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida, IND.

Cureus
|February 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Bilateral endoscopic tympanoplasty and conventional microscopic tympanoplasty show similar outcomes for chronic otitis media (COM) graft uptake and hearing improvement. Endoscopic surgery may offer advantages in reduced operating time.

Area of Science:

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Surgical Innovation
  • Otology

Background:

  • Chronic otitis media (COM) commonly presents with tympanic membrane perforations.
  • Management of COM involves antimicrobial therapies and surgical interventions.
  • Tympanoplasty aims to repair perforations and restore hearing function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the outcomes of bilateral endoscopic tympanoplasty with conventional microscopic tympanoplasty.
  • To evaluate graft uptake and hearing improvement in both surgical approaches.
  • To assess the feasibility and efficiency of endoscopic versus microscopic tympanoplasty.

Main Methods:

  • An interventional-prospective, comparative study involving 66 participants.
  • Participants were divided into two groups: bilateral endoscopic tympanoplasty and conventional microscopic tympanoplasty.
  • Data collected included graft uptake rates and air-bone gap changes over six months post-surgery.

Main Results:

  • Postoperative graft uptake rates were high and similar in both groups (97% endoscopic vs. 94% microscopic).
  • Both methods demonstrated significant reduction in air-bone gaps and hearing improvement.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) showed a significant difference between groups (p=0.03).

Conclusions:

  • Bilateral endoscopic and conventional microscopic tympanoplasty yield comparable graft uptake and hearing outcomes.
  • Endoscopic tympanoplasty may be performed more efficiently, potentially in a shorter duration.
  • Endoscopic approaches may represent an advancement in the surgical management of COM.