Underlay Versus Modified Circumferential Subannular Graft Technique in Endoscopic Tympanoplasty

Background and Objectives To describe and evaluate modified circumferential subannular tympanoplasty (MCST) via endoscopic approach, we compared the results of MCST to those of the underlay technique and the results of previous studies.Subjects and Method A retrospective comparative study was conducted of 31 patients who underwent endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty. Patients were classified into the MCST group (n=11) and the underlay group (n=20) according to the graft technique. Demographic data, size and location of the perforation, pre- and postoperative hearing, operating time, complication rate, and graft success rate were analyzed in each group.Results No significant differences between the two groups were observed in the demographic data or the locations of the perforations. The sizes of the perforations were 31.4±14.3% and 25.0±18.1%, respectively. The average operating times were 68.6±16.5 min and 64.9±9.3 min, respectively, and canaloplasty was not required in any patient. The postoperative hearing improvement and air-bone gap were not significantly different. No postoperative complications were observed in either group.Conclusion MCST is a feasible and effective technique for endoscopic transcanal tympanoplasty. The postoperative results and operating times of MCST were comparable to those of other graft techniques. MCST showed more stable results in anterior perforation than in underlay graft.

Pedicle screw accuracy in thoracolumbar fractures- is routine postoperative CT scan necessary?

Background While several studies report on accuracy rates of pedicle screws, risk factors associated with inaccurate pedicle screw positioning in patients with thoracolumbar fractures are reported rarely. CT scan as a routine postoperative control is advocated by various authors, however its necessity remains unclear. Methods Two hundred forty-five patients were included in this retrospective study. Percutaneous dorsal instrumentation was most commonly performed (n = 201). Classification of Zdichavsky et al. and Rao et al. were used to classify screw misplacement and anterior perforation was further evaluated according to the extent of perforation (< 2 mm; > 2 mm). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for misplacement of screws. Results One thousand sixty-eight pedicle screws were inserted in 245 patients. Misplacement was found in 51 screws (4.8%) in 42 patients (17.1%) according to the classification of Zdichavsky et al. and in 75 screws (7.0%) in 64 patients (26.1%) according to the classification of Rao et al.. An anterior perforation of the vertebral cortex was found in 56 screws (5.2%). Multivariate analysis showed fracture location in the upper thoracic (p = 0.048) and lumbar spine (p = 0.013) to be the only independent predictors for screw misplacement. In addition a significant correlation between pedicle diameter and the occurrence of screw malposition was found (p = 0.003). No consequences were drawn from postoperative routine CT in asymptomatic patients. Conclusion An overall low rate of screw misplacement was found with fracture location in the upper thoracic and lumbar spine being the only factors independently associated with the risk of screw misplacement. No consequences were drawn from postoperative routine CT in asymptomatic patients. Therefore its use has to be discussed critically.

Total Endoscopic Perichondrium Reinforced Cartilage Myringoplasty for Anterior Perforation

Objectives: To investigate the outcomes of graft uptake and hearing results in the repair of anterior perforation via a total endoscopic transcanal approach using a single or double perichondrium reinforced cartilage underlay technique. Study Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Tertiary referral hospital. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 65 patients who underwent surgery for anterior perforation. All surgeries were done via an endoscopic transcanal approach using tragal cartilage as graft, underlay technique reinforced with single or double perichondrium. Two groups were created in which group A had single perichondrium reinforcement and group B had double perichondrium. Graft uptake and hearing outcomes were evaluated between the two groups. Results: During the study period, 65 patients were included, of which 3 were lost to follow-up, and thus, only 62 patients were assessed. As for the surgical outcome, graft uptake was observed in 95.2% (n = 59) of patients, 6 months after the intervention. Graft uptake was not statistically significantly different between groups A and B and was 95% in both. There was a statistically significant improvement in hearing across the series overall, with no significant differences seen between group A and group B. Conclusions: The endoscopic approach for myringoplasty offers superior visualization, especially for anterior perforation avoiding postaural approach and canaloplasty. Endoscopic single or double perichondrium reinforced cartilage underlay technique is a reliable method for repair of anterior perforation. There is no difference in using single or double perichondrium reinforcement. Thus, we recommend using single or double perichondrium reinforcement depending on the need during the surgery.

Endoscopic Cartilage Myringoplasty with Inside Out Elevation of a Tympanomeatal Flap for Repairing Anterior Tympanic Membrane Perforations

Objective: We evaluated the graft take rate and hearing gain of endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with inside out elevation of a tympanomeatal flap for repairing an anterior tympanic membrane perforation. Study design: A retrospective case series Setting: Tertiary university hospital Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of patients with an anterior perforation undergoing endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with inside out elevation of a tympanomeatal flap. The primary outcome was the graft take rate at 6 months. The secondary outcomes were the air–bone gap (ABG) gain at 3 months and complications. Results: A total of 51 patients with a unilateral anterior marginal perforation were included in this study. The mean operation time was 62.2 ± 8.3 minutes. The graft success rate was 92.2% (47/51) at 6 months. The mean preoperative ABG was 28.07 ± 5.13 dB, while the mean postoperative ABG was 12.24 ± 4.89 dB ( P < .05). No patients reported sensorineural hearing loss, altered taste, facial nerve palsy, vertigo, or tinnitus. Two patients with a middle perforation developed postoperative purulent otorrhea that resulted in residual perforations. The cartilage graft was extruded into the anterior annulus in two patients with large perforations that resulted in graft lateralization in one patient and residual perforation in the other. Conclusions: Endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with inside out elevation of a tympanomeatal flap is a useful procedure with a low reperforation rate for repairing anterior perforation.

Outcome of Graft Uptake and Hearing Results between ‘U’ Flap Technique and Conventional Tympanomeatal Flap Technique for Anterior and Subtotal Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Background: Myringoplasty done for anterior and subtotal perforation needs expertise and practice than conventional underlay myringoplasty. The objective of this study was to compare the graft uptake and postoperative hearing results between ‘U’ flap and conventional tympanomeatal flap technique in anterior and subtotal tympanic membrane perforation.Methods: Sixty three patients of age fifteen years and above with chronic otitis media mucosal type with any sized anterior and subtotal perforation of tympanic membrane were randomly allocated for myringoplasty by lottery method. There were thirty one cases in ‘U’ flap group and thirty two cases in conventional tympanomeatal flap group. Graft uptake and hearing results were assessed after six weeks and results were compared within and between the groups.Results: Graft uptake rate was 90.3%(28/31) in‘U’ flap group and it was 87.5%(28/32) in conventional tympanomeatal flap group with no statistically significant difference (p= 0.772) between the two groups. The mean pre and post-operative air bone gap in ‘U’ flap group were 23.63dB±7.77dB; 13.26dB±5.50dB and that in the conventional tympanomeatal flap group were 20.88±9.88dB, 9.42dB±6.70dB respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in hearing results between the two groups (p= 0.504).Conclusions: The graft uptake rate and hearing results of ‘U’ flap group were comparable and showed no statistically significant difference to those of conventional tympanomeatal flap group. Keywords: Anterior perforation; myringoplasty; subtotal perforation; ‘U’ flap.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Bucket Handle and Cartilage Tympanoplasty Techniques for the Reconstruction of Subtotal or Anterior Tympanic Membrane Perforation

Objective. The purpose of the study is to compare the clinical outcome of the two techniques of Bucket Handle Tympanoplasty and Cartilage Tympanoplasty in achieving success in graft survival as well as acceptable auditory results. 60 patients who suffered chronic otitis media with anterior perforation of the tympanic membrane were chosen. The patients were randomly assigned using Block Randomization Method of two groups including patients who underwent Bucket Handle Tympanoplasty (n=30) or those that underwent Cartilage Tympanoplasty (n=30). The patients were followed up for 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results. The mean PTA was lower in Bucket Handle Tympanoplasty group as case group compared to Cartilage Tympanoplasty group as the control (P=0.023). No significant statistical differences had identified passing through the time, in terms of PTA outcome (P Value = 0.547) and SRT outcome (P Value = 0.352), between Bucket Handle Tympanoplasty group and the Cartilage Tympanoplasty group. In total, postoperative tympanic membrane perforation was found in 10.0% of patients in Cartilage Tympanoplasty group and 13.3% in Bucket Handle Tympanoplasty group with no difference (P=0.500). Conclusions. Hearing improvements in both methods were similar. Registration Number. The trial is registered with IRCT2016022626773N1.

Various techniques of grafting in anterior perforation of tympanic membrane: our experience

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">The lack of anterior support for the graft frequently leads to graft failure if an underlay method is used whereas anterior blunting is a complication of overlay techniques in the anteriorly located tympanic membrane perforations</span><span lang="EN-IN">. The objective of the study was </span><span lang="EN-GB">to evaluate the correct surgical technique for the reconstruction of anterior tympanic membrane perforation.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">Our prospective study was conducted from January 2011 to December 2013. This study included 39 patients of either sex, 17-56 years of age groups, at Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences Narketpally, Nalgonda district, Telangana state. Our surgical experience with a) Simplified underlay technique-in small perforations having healthy remnant in10 patients. b) Button hole and slitting the graft- in thin atrophic ring anteriorly in 25 patients. c) Gerlach’ quilting procedure- in inadequate anterior rim in 3 patients and d) Kerr flap-in only anterior rim annulus in 1 patient</span><span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">All these methods gave 91.96% closure rate, a mean auditory threshold gain of 8.5 dB was achieved at the frequencies tested</span><span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">Here we describe and promote the various techniques of placing grafts in anterior perforations of tympanic membrane, thereby attaining the aforementioned benefits and reducing the incidence of complications</span><span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p>