[Criteria for assessing functional results in middle ear surgery]

Comparison of reports of the functional results of middle-ear surgery is difficult because there are no standardized criteria, such as; auditory activity, histology, evaluation of functional results, follow-up period, etc. Moreover, surgeons and patients often disagree over the results obtained. The functional results obtained in 246 middle-ear operations performed in our department for postotorrhea sequelae were analyzed.

Using the SMYTH and PATTERSON criteria, benefits were analyzed in 246 patients for whom functional results were available.

Benefits were analyzed by type of surgery, type of ossiculoplasty, presence or absence of stapedial superstructure, and subjective patient assessment.

Results were analyzed as surgical evaluation of functional outcome in relation to subjective patient assessment. Guidelines for standardizing criteria for the functional evaluation of middle-ear surgery are proposed.