Overlay versus underlay tympanoplasty. Comparative study of 122 cases

INTRODUCTION: In tympanoplasty, the most common two techniques for positioning the graft relative to the remnant of both the tympanic membrane and of the annulus, are the "overlay" and the "underlay" techniques. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two cases over the age of 8 years who had undergone a tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforation secondary to chronic otitis media were included. All patients had a minimum 3-month postoperative otoscopic and audiometric follow-up. RESULTS: of 122 cases, 115 tympanoplasties (94%) were anatomically successful. At frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, the mean air-bone gap improved significantly from 21.7 dB preoperatively to 8.4 dB postoperatively giving a mean gain of 13.3 dB. CONCLUSION: In our series the underlay or overlay positioning of the graft does not significantly influence the rate of postoperative perforations or complications with the exception of epithelial pearls, which occur significantly more frequently following the overlay technique for perforations that require fibro-epidermal cleaving across a large area.     

内外植法与内植法鼓膜成形术的近期对比分析

目的:探讨内外植法修补鼓膜的成功率和对听力的影响.方法:回顾性分析2002年以来行内植法鼓膜成形术且术后随访6个月以上的74例(77耳)患者,A组44例(45耳)采用传统的内植法,B组30例(32耳)将移植膜放置在残余鼓膜与锤骨柄之间(内外植法),比较2组患者术后3个月时的听力.结果:A组鼓膜1次修补成功40耳(89.0%),语言区平均听阈改善≥10 dB者23耳,手术成功率57.5%.B组鼓膜修补1次愈合28耳(87.5%),语言区平均听阈改善≥10 dB者23耳,手术成功率71.9%.并发症:A组再穿孔2耳(5.9%),鼓膜内陷8耳(17.8%);B组再穿孔2耳(6.25%),钝角愈合3耳(9.38%),鼓膜内陷2耳(6.25%).结论:将移植膜放置在残余鼓膜与锤骨柄之间可避免术后鼓膜和锤骨柄脱离,减少移植膜与鼓岬发生粘连.对鼓膜较大穿孔患者听力的改善明显优于移植膜放置在锤骨柄内侧者.     

A comparative study of different graft materials used in myringoplasty

Two hundred twenty cases of unilateral chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) with dry central perforation were chosen for this study and myringoplasty were done. Age group ranged from 13 to 48 years. Four types of autogenous tissues were used as graft material. Grafting was done by underlay technique when temporalis fascia, tragal perichondrium, areolar tissue were used as graft material and when fat graft was used the ear lobule fat was placed directly into perforation through transcanal route. Postoperative follow-up was carried out up to 6 months. In this study, it was found that the younger age group has less impairment of hearing and better chance of tympanic membrane perforation closure than the older age group in CSOM with central perforation. Anterior perforations has less impairment of hearing and better result in successful closure of tympanic membrane than posterior perforation group. It was also observed that larger the size of perforation greater is the hearing impairment preoperatively and postoperative hearing gain is also less compared to small perforation. Best hearing improvement occurred using temporalis fascia. Failure occurred may be due to postoperative infection, respiratory tract infection, neglected post-operative advice etc.     

不同鼓膜成形术治疗慢性化脓性中耳炎静止期的临床分析

目的探讨慢性化脓性中耳炎静止期患者采用不同鼓膜成形术的疗效分析,为手术术式选择提供参考。方法收集2010年1月~2013年12月完成鼓膜成形术,术后随访3个月且资料完整的212例患者,其中小穿孔（<3 mm）29例,中穿孔（3~6 mm）53例,大穿孔（>6 mm）79例,完全穿孔51例。按照患者鼓膜穿孔大小选择不同鼓膜修补手术方法,其中脂肪修补10例,内植法（经耳道）13例,全翻内植法47例,内外植法48例,夹层法80例,外植法14例。术后3个月判断其临床疗效。结果一期愈合95．7％(203例),钝角愈合1.9%（4例）,未愈合2.4%（5例）;术后对鼓膜穿孔大、小、完全穿孔患者采取不同鼓膜修补方式进行比较,患者手术前后鼓膜愈合和气导PTA提高比较,差异无统计学无意义（P>0.05）;鼓膜中穿孔患者采取的3种修补手术方法中,鼓膜愈合数比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,而对于采用夹层法和内外植法的气导PTA提高比较差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。结论术者应掌握多种不同鼓膜成形术方法,根据鼓膜穿孔的大小、位置和外耳道的宽窄、曲直,灵活选用,最大程度的恢复鼓膜的完整性和功能。     

Comparative study of the underlay and overlay techniques of myringoplasty in large and subtotal perforations of the tympanic membrane

Myringoplasty is an established procedure. However, the quest is on to improve the results further by studying the different influencing factors, that could possibly affect the outcome. In the present randomized prospective study of one year's duration, 60 patients having dry, large and subtotal perforations of the tympanic membrane were subjected to myringoplasty, 30 by the overlay technique and 30 by the underlay technique keeping all other influencing factors constant. The graft take-up rate was found to be the same (93.3 per cent) in both techniques but the underlay technique was judged to be better because of its technical ease, better assessment of ossicular chain integrity and mobility, less time consumption (55 minutes vs 90 minutes), earlier healing of graft (four to six weeks vs six to eight weeks), hearing gain in more patients (92.8 per cent vs 57.1 per cent) and fewer minor complications (6.6 per cent vs 33.3 per cent).     

耳内镜下鼓膜修补术

目的探讨应用耳内镜下鼓膜修补术治疗鼓膜穿孔的疗效.方法应用单手操作行前内植后夹层法鼓膜成形术,治疗30耳鼓膜穿孔.结果有28耳愈合良好听力提高较为满意,穿孔愈合率为93.3%,与在显微镜下手术疗效无明显差异.结论应用耳内镜手术治疗鼓膜穿孔方便、灵活、视野好,为一较理想的手术方法.     

Butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty outcomes: A single-institution experience and literature review

Purpose

In 1998, Dr. Eavey described the trans-canal inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty technique, also known as cartilage button tympanoplasty. Many retrospective studies have since demonstrated its efficacy and decreased operative time when compared to underlay and overlay tympanoplasty techniques. The butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty approach uses only a cartilage graft to repair tympanic membrane perforations. The aim of this study was to review the literature for studies that examined butterfly cartilage tympanoplasty success rates and outcomes and compare them to outcomes from our cohort.

Results of inlay cartilage myringoplasty in terms of closure of central tympanic membrane perforations

There is a current effort to perform myringoplasty for tympanic membrane perforations as a day-stay procedure. In 1998, an inlay myringoplasty using tragal cartilage/perichondrium was described. A retrospective study was performed by the author to analyse the results of inlay cartilage myringoplasty, in terms of closure of simple perforations of the tympanic membrane. The results of a control group of previous cases of underlay temporalis fascia myringoplasty were retrieved from the hospital records. All the operations in both groups were performed by the same author at the same institution. The operation of inlay cartilage butterfly myringoplasty has been performed in 28 ears with simple central tympanic membrane perforations. Inconsistent results have been obtained, in that only 43 per cent showed closure of the perforation at the most recent follow-up. A control group of standard underlay temporalis fascia myringoplasty has been performed by the same author in 23 ears. Eighty-three per cent of the perforations were closed at the last follow-up. The difference is statistically highly significant (p < 0.01).     

Prognostic factors influencing anatomic and functional outcome in myringoplasty

The objectives of myringoplasty are essentially two: restore the eardrum integrity and improve hearing level. We have carried out a retrospective study of myringoplasties performed in our Department, between 1996 to 2000, corresponding to 197 surgical interventions, in 162 patients. The characteristics more frequently seen for operating ears were central localization of tympanic membrane perforation, dry ear, good eustaquian tube function and underlay technique placing fascia graft. Endaural or retroauricular approach were similar in number. We obtained 73.6% of anatomic success, though in some cases we needed to reoperate the patient. When we analysed risk factors of anatomic success, we noticed than only the tympanic perforation site had influence, with better rate in posterior perforations and lower rate in subtotal perforations. We analysed functional results in ears with anatomic success, finding 75.6% of hearing level improvement with a gap of less than 20 dB. Factors influencing hearing improvement were surgeon experience and the presence of middle ear alterations.     

Endoscopic vs microscopic myringoplasty: a different perspective

The objectives of this study were to ascertain the feasibility of transcanal endoscopic underlay myringoplasty using temporalis fascia and compare the results with microscopic myringoplasty. This prospective randomized trial included 60 patients with mucosal chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforations of all sizes and locations apart from posteriorly based small or moderate sized perforations. In the endoscopy group, 30 patients underwent exclusive transcanal myringoplasty using tympanomeatal flap elevation with underlay graft placement. In the microscopy group, 30 patients underwent myringoplasty using the postaural approach. Intra-operative variables compared were canalplasty and canal wall curettage for assessment of ossicular status. Graft uptake, hearing outcomes using pure tone audiometry and subjective cosmetic outcomes were assessed 24 weeks post-operatively and compared in the two groups. Resident feedback on the feasibility of endoscopic myringoplasty was obtained using a questionnaire. In the microscopy group, 5/30 patients required canalplasty due to canal overhangs and 4/30 required canal wall curettage for ossicular assessment, whereas none of the patients in the endoscopy group required these procedures. A graft uptake rate of 83.3 % was observed in both groups post-operatively after 24 weeks. Mean air-bone gap pre- and post-operatively in the endoscopy group was 28.5 and 18.13 dB, respectively, whereas these values were 32.4 and 16.9 dB, respectively, in the microscopy group. Subjective cosmetic outcomes were better in the endoscopy group. Resident feedback on endoscopic myringoplasty was positive. Endoscopic myringoplasty appears to be an effective alternative to microscopic myringoplasty and results in excellent hearing with good cosmetic outcomes.     

Lateral graft type 1 tympanoplasty using AlloDerm for tympanic membrane reconstruction in children

OBJECTIVES: To describe the lateral graft type 1 tympanoplasty technique using AlloDerm for tympanic membrane reconstruction in children and to compare its surgical and audiometric outcomes with the traditional underlay type 1 tympanoplasty. METHODS: The records of 34 consecutive children undergoing type 1 tympanoplasty between 2004 and 2005 were reviewed; 18 received lateral graft tympanoplasty with AlloDerm and 16 received underlay tympanoplasty (8 AlloDerm and 8 temporalis fascia). Pre- and post-surgical audiograms, speech reception threshold, closure rate and complication rate were evaluated using one-way and repeated measures ANOVAs. RESULTS: Children who underwent lateral graft type 1 tympanoplasty pre-operatively had larger tympanic membrane perforations, worse pure tone averages, air bone gaps and speech reception thresholds as compared with children undergoing underlay type 1 tympanoplasty (P<0.001). Pure tone averages and air bone gaps improved significantly with surgery in both lateral and underlay type 1 tympanoplasty groups (P<0.05), with both groups achieving comparable postoperative audiometric outcomes (P>0.01). The lateral graft group demonstrated a higher perforation closure rate (94%) as compared with both underlay groups (88%). Complication rates were virtually non-existent. CONCLUSIONS: Despite larger perforations and worse pre-operative audiometric scores, children who underwent lateral graft type 1 tympanoplasty achieved comparable postoperative audiometric results and perforation closure rates as compared with children who underwent underlay type 1 tympanoplasty. Results suggest that lateral graft type 1 tympanoplasty using AlloDerm is effective for tympanic membrane reconstruction in children and should be used when temporalis fascia is not available or the extent of the perforation limits its use.     

"Window shade" tympanoplasty for anterior marginal perforations

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Anterior marginal perforations of the tympanic membrane often present a reconstructive challenge to the otolaryngologist. Poor surgical outcomes are often due to inadequate exposure, a lack of residual tympanic membrane, impaired vascular supply, and delayed healing. This study reports on the success of the "window shade" technique, combining aspects of both the traditional underlay and overlay tympanoplasty techniques, for the management of anterior marginal tympanic membrane perforations. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients undergoing window shade tympanoplasty from July 1, 1994, to July 1, 2003, at a tertiary care referral center. METHODS: Only patients found to have anterior tympanic membrane perforations and who underwent a window shade tympanoplasty were included in the study. Tympanoplasty success rate was studied by examining postoperative complications of recurrent perforation, tympanic membrane lateralization, or anterior blunting. RESULTS: The authors identified 164 patients who underwent window shade tympanoplasty during the study period. The overall success rate for tympanic membrane repair was 94.5%. There were no cases of tympanic membrane lateralization or significant blunting. The average healing time was 4 weeks. The surgical technique is described in detail. CONCLUSION: The window shade tympanoplasty is an excellent surgical option for repair of anterior marginal perforations of the tympanic membrane.     

耳内镜下耳屏软骨-软骨膜修补鼓膜大穿孔45例报告

目的探讨在耳内镜下应用耳屏软骨-软骨膜修补鼓膜大穿孔的临床效果,并介绍临床手术要点及技巧。方法对45例耳鼓膜紧张部大穿孔病例,采用自体耳屏软骨-软骨膜,在耳内镜下行I型鼓室成型术,采用内植法一期完成手术。结果 45例患者随访6~18个月,术后无耳鸣加重、无眩晕、气骨导听力下降等。术后3个月复查穿孔愈合率95.6%,术后一年以上复查未见再穿孔、鼓膜内陷、粘连及前部钝角愈合情况,患者诉无听力下降等。术后3~6个月复查纯音测听,患者言语频率气导听力均提高>10dB。其中气骨导差缩小>10dB21例,21dB~30dB19例,>30dB5例。27例行声阻抗检查均为"A"型。患者术耳耳屏外观良好,无明显瘢痕及形态改变。结论耳内镜技术下鼓膜修补术,操作简单、图像清晰、视野广、损伤小、手术时间短,且耳屏软骨-软骨膜取材方便,抗感染能力强,听力恢复效果稳定,是一种较好的鼓膜修补材料,值得临床推广。     

Endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty for tympanic perforations: An outpatient minimally invasive procedure

Objective

Since the 1950s, microscopic myringoplasty has been the standard surgery for repairing a perforated tympanic membrane. In addition to conventional microscopic myringoplasty, endoscopic myringoplasty has been an emerging technique since the late 1990s. This study evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty for repairing tympanic perforations and examined the minimally invasive feature of this technique (no postauricular incision, no canalplasty).

Fat graft myringoplasty after unsuccessful tympanic membrane repair

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of fat graft myringoplasty in repairing residual or recurrent tympanic membrane perforation. A retrospective analysis was performed on 31 patients, aged 25–57 years (mean 43.3), submitted to myringoplasty revision using fat graft. Fourteen were males and 17 females. Perforation size ranged from 1 to 5 mm. Follow-up time ranged from 4 to 62 months (mean 26 months). Fat graft myringoplasty was performed under local anesthesia, using ear lobe fat in 26 patients and abdominal fat in five patients closure of tympanic membrane perforation was achieved in 87.1% of ears. No modification of the hearing level was evidenced at the statistical analysis. Fat graft myringoplasty is a safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure, suitable to repair small residual/recurrent perforations of the tympanic membrane. The angiogenic properties of the fat are ideal to overcome the poor vascular supply in the vicinity of the tympanic membrane perforation.     

Tympanic reperforation in myringoplasty: evaluation of prognostic factors

OBJECTIVES: The most frequent failure in myringoplasty is reperforation. This complication appears at a rate of 7% to 27%. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of the principal prognostic factors to the risk of reperforation. METHODS: This is a study of prognosis based on an inception cohort. The prognostic factors considered in the study refer to clinical and surgical aspects; follow-up ranged from 5 to 7 years (mean, 68 months). The study was performed on 212 patients with or without otorrhea who underwent operation for tympanic perforation. All subjects underwent myringoplasty by means of an underlay or overlay technique depending on the size and site of the perforation. RESULTS: Healing of the tympanic perforation was obtained in 182 cases (86%). Age, otorrhea, status of the contralateral ear, and conductive hearing loss did not significantly affect the outcome of surgery. On the other hand, time from surgery, the site of perforation, the type of anesthesia, the approach, the surgical technique, and the type of graft were significantly related to the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In the analysis of our results, the surgical approach proved to be the principal prognostic factor in the anatomic outcome of myringoplasty. The results obtained suggest that the principal factors influencing the outcome of myringoplasty are technical and not clinical.     

Short-term evaluation of over-under myringoplasty technique

Over-under tympanoplasty is a technique aimed at eliminating the disadvantages of the two classical techniques of overlay and underlay myringoplasty, which are employed in repairing the tympanic membrane. In this retrospective study, a total of 104 patients underwent myringoplasty, which was performed by means of the underlay technique in 46 patients and over-under technique in 58 patients. The mean follow-up period was 11 months. In the first group of patients, the underlay technique was performed; the grafted membrane was placed medial to the remaining drum and the manubrium of the malleus. In the second group, the over-under technique was performed; the grafted membrane was placed under the remaining drum and over the malleus. The rate of success in the first group of 46 patients was 91.5%, and that of atelectasis was 19.5%. The rate of success in the second group of 58 patients was 94.9% and 12%, respectively. Lateralization of the graft was not observed in either of the groups. In the patients operated on by means of the underlay technique, the air-bone gap decreased by 16.55 dB this rate was 16.96 dB in those operated on by the over-under technique. The authors consider over-under tympanoplasty to be superior to the other two classical methods not only because of its effectiveness, but also because of the results achieved by this technique.     

Underlay tympanoplasty with laser tissue welding

We investigated the feasibility of using laser tissue welding techniques to perform transcanal underlay tympanoplasty. We used 10 temporal bones obtained from human cadavers. After creating a subtotal tympanic membrane perforation, we introduced harvested periosteum through the perforation and used laser tissue welding to secure the periosteum graft in place in an underlay fashion. The procedure was performed via a transcanal approach and did not require middle ear packing. Immediately after the graft had been placed, we qualitatively tested its integrity with a blunt probe. The graft was as strong as the native cadaver tympanic membrane in all 10 cases. We conclude that laser transcanal underlay tympanoplasty is a feasible and effective method of repairing a tympanic membrane. The ultimate goal is to develop a technique that will allow physicians to routinely perform underlay tympanoplasty on moderately sized perforations in an office setting.     

再造鼓膜——耳道角与鼓膜锥度重塑的外科技术

目的探讨再造鼓膜-耳道角度及锥度重塑的外科技术,以利听力重建。方法应用内-外植术式(underlay-overlay grafting)及颞筋膜-锤骨柄相嵌固定方法修复鼓膜大穿孔64例(耳),男性35例,女性29例,鼓膜穿孔病程≥3年。结果术后随访8个月-3年,其中2年以上者45例。鼓膜一期愈合率95.3%(61例),内窥镜观察鼓膜形态及耳道角度满意者51例(79.7%),声阻抗测试结果示鼓膜声顺值>1.0ml25例,≤1.0ml20例。鼓室压曲线A型36例,B型3例,C型6例。纯音测听(PTA)较术前平均提高15dBHL。结论应用内-外植法方法,结合筋膜剪口与锤骨柄相嵌处理,有助于恢复再造鼓膜-耳道角度与锥度,是修复鼓膜大穿孔并重塑其形态的重要技术。     

Fat graft myringoplasty: results of a long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term results of fat graft myringoplasty in adult and pediatric populations. DESIGN: Prospective case series study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients with chronic tympanic membrane perforations were considered candidates for fat graft myringoplasty. Excluded were patients with purulent discharge, suspected ossicular disease, suspected cholesteatoma, or a perforation diameter greater than 6.5 mm. Fat was harvested from the ear lobule or subcutaneous tissue just posterior-inferior to the lobule. RESULTS: The study population comprised 27 adults and 11 children. Twenty-eight perforations were small (73.7%) and 10 were large (26.3%). Altogether, 31 of 38 perforations were successfully repaired (81.6%), including 22 of 28 small perforations (78.6%) and 9 of 10 large perforations (90%). Assessment by age showed that 23 of 27 perforations of the adults (85.2%) and 8 of 11 perforations of the children (72.7%) successfully closed (p = .648). Follow-up ranged from 25 to 53 months (mean 40.6 +/- 8.3 months). No recurrence of the perforation during the follow-up period was recorded if the initial results were successful. The speech reception threshold improved significantly (18.5 +/- 7.7 dB vs 23.5 +/- 8 dB; p = .043). No significant sensorineural hearing loss occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Fat graft myringoplasty is a reliable technique for the closure of small- and medium-sized perforations. The grafting results showed excellent long-term durability. Given the simplicity of the technique, its short duration, and the favourable hearing results, fat graft myringoplasty should be considered the procedure of choice in patients with suitable perforations and when not otherwise contraindicated.