OUTCOME OF TYMPANOPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH MUCOSAL CHRONIC OTITIS MEDIA

Abstract

Background: Mucosal chronic otitis media (COM) is a prevalent cause of conductive hearing loss and tympanic membrane perforation, particularly in developing regions. Tympanoplasty remains the mainstay surgical intervention aimed at restoring tympanic membrane integrity and improving auditory function. While traditionally delayed in wet ears, evolving perspectives now suggest comparable outcomes regardless of aural status. This study evaluates the clinical efficacy of tympanoplasty in patients with mucosal COM, highlighting graft success, hearing outcomes, and associated complications.

Objective: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of tympanoplasty in patients with mucosal chronic otitis media.

Methods: This prospective observational study included 70 patients aged 18–50 years diagnosed with mucosal COM and scheduled for tympanoplasty at a tertiary care center between July 2024 and January 2025. Patients with cholesteatoma, sensorineural hearing loss, or prior ear surgery were excluded. All procedures were performed using the underlay technique with temporalis fascia grafts, approached postauricularly or permeatally. Preoperative assessments included otoscopy, endoscopy, and pure tone audiometry. Follow-up at 16 weeks assessed graft integrity via otoscopic examination, hearing thresholds through audiometry, and postoperative complications. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.

Results: Of the 70 patients, 37 (52.9%) were male and 33 (47.1%) female, with a mean age of 35.13 ± 8.85 years. Wet ears were noted in 46 (65.7%) and dry ears in 24 (34.3%). Graft uptake was successful in 66 patients (94.3%). Hearing improvement was observed in 64 (91.4%) cases. Postoperative discharge occurred in 3 (4.3%), re-perforation in 5 (7.1%), and earache relief was achieved in 63 (90.0%) patients.

Conclusion: Tympanoplasty demonstrated high efficacy in mucosal COM, irrespective of aural status, with excellent graft uptake, significant hearing improvement, and minimal complications.