Perichondrial flap fold versus raising the tympanomeatal flap for repairing large marginal perforation: semi-random...

This study aimed to compare the graft outcomes between endoscopic cartilage inlay myringoplasty with free perichondrial flap fold technique vs. raising the tympanomeatal flap technique for repairing large marginal perforation.

A total of 61 ears with marginal perforation were recruited and allocated to free perichondrial flap fold (n = 31) group and raising the tympanomeatal flap (n = 30) group using semi-random control trial. The graft success rate, hearing gain, operation time, visual analog scale score and post-operative complications were compared between the groups at six months.

The mean operation time was 26.4 plus-or-minus 3.1 minutes in the free perichondrial flap fold group and 50.7 plus-or-minus 2.6 minutes in the raising the tympanomeatal flap group (p < 0.001). The graft success rate was 93.5 per cent in the free perichondrial flap fold group and 96.7 per cent in the raising the tympanomeatal flap group (p = 0.977) at post-operative six months.

The free perichondrial flap fold technique may achieve similar graft success rate and hearing improvement as raising the tympanomeatal flap technique for repairing large marginal perforations; however, it is simple, time-saving and minimal invasive technique.