Comparative study of hearing improvement in type 1 tympanoplasty with and without canalplasty

Introduction

Widening of the external auditory canal is canalplasty. It is an intergral part of tympanoplasty, especially in anterior perforations and gives wide surgical access for proper repair.

Materials and methods

After elevating tympanomeatal flaps the canal is widened using conical cutting and diamond burrs following which entire tympanic annulus is visible and corresponds to an inverted truncated cone.

Results

Canalplasty gives 9 db gain in hearing compared to without canalplasty.

Conclusion

Canalplasty gives better visualization, better graft placement and better post-operative care.