Review on hearing improvement in tympanoplasty using Cartilage graft

Abstract

Background: Perforations of tympanic membrane is a commonly encountered problem presented to the otorhinolaryngologist. Surgical repair (tympanoplasty) of the perforated tympanic membrane (TM) is indicated to restore hearing ability as well as to prevent
recurrent otorrhea. Owing to its stiffness, cartilage is resistant to resorption and retraction. It is less likely to cause an inflammatory reaction or an infection postoperatively. Material and methods: Total 112 cases of tympanoplasty with cartilaginous graft were studied in one year time duration. Patients with Tubotympanic disease were included having perforation but non involvement of middle year ossicles. Preoperative and post operative Air Bone Gap is studied and compared to access the efficacy of cartilaginous graft. Observation & Result:Of 112 cases mean age of patients came out as 28.1 years, of them 93% had unilateral disease. Males constitute 62.5% and female were 37.5%. Success rate of tympanoplasty was 92%. Post operative ABG came out 15dB.Conclusion: Tympanoplasty is an effective procedure that can lead to improvement in hearing function of patients and prevention of recurrent ear discharge. As cartilage has better structural and tensile quality as compared to other graft also due to its mesodermal origin, tympanoplasty with cartilage graft show lesser incidence of cholesteatoma