A comparison of surgical outcomes of endoscopic versus microscopic myringoplasty

There is a gradual transition from open to minimal access surgeries in Otorhinolaryngology. Myringoplasty can be done with either microscope or endoscope. Use of both the techniques has been reported in literature. However, there is no clear consensus over which is better than the other. The current study was done with the aim of comparing the hearing outcomes post myringoplasty by endoscopic versus microscopic technique.

Hundred patients of chronic otitis media mucosal inactive were recruited and divided into two groups, A and B. The patients in group A underwent endoscopic myringoplasty while those in group B underwent conventional microscopic myringoplasty. All patients underwent pure tone audiometry (PTA) and oto-endoscopy prior to and six months post-surgery. The study outcomes in the form of air-bone (AB) gap on PTA, successful closure of tympanic membrane perforation, pain scores, duration of hospital stay and occurrence of complications were compared.

The post-operative AB gap on PTA and pain score was lesser in the endoscopic technique as compared to microscopic technique. The reduction in AB gap post-surgery, duration of hospital stay, proportion of patients with closure of AB gap to ≤10 dB, successful closure of tympanic membrane perforation, and taste alteration were similar in both groups.

Endoscopic technique for myringoplasty can be recommended in view of similar or slightly better surgical and functional outcomes, wider field of view and better visualisation of middle ear by the endoscopes.