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Objective: Cholesteatoma secondary to tympanic perforation, known as "secondary acquired cholesteatoma" may progress slower than a retraction pocket cholesteatoma, with less bone destruction and fewer intracranial complications. However, complete surgical removal remains difficult because the pathological epithelium on the marginal side of the extension is not covered by the subepithelial layer of the cholesteatoma matrix, making the boundary with the middle ear mucosa difficult to identify. Therefore, considering the pathophysiology of secondary acquired cholesteatoma, suitable preoperative evaluation and surgical techniques are required. In this study, we aimed to evaluate (i) the extension of secondary acquired cholesteatoma according to the size and location of tympanic membrane perforation; and (ii) the microscopic surgical outcomes, including the rate of residual cholesteatoma, requirement for specialized surgical management, and changes in hearing., Methods: This retrospective study included data of cases with secondary acquired cholesteatoma (n = 66; 66 ears of 64 patients, 2 patients had bilateral ear involvement), including those who underwent a staged operation (n = 25)., Results: The perforation level of the tympanic membrane was associated with the cholesteatoma extension. When the cholesteatoma extended around the stapes, staged operation was chosen. Six cases of spontaneous resolution of stapes lesions at the time of staged surgery were observed. A significant postoperative improvement in hearing was observed; however, five cases experienced sensorineural hearing loss., Conclusion: Surgery, including staged surgery of the stapes lesions, along with careful observation of the perforation, is required in secondary acquired cholesteatoma. For lesions that are visible yet challenging to remove, it is imperative to exercise prudent judgment, taking into account the possibility of spontaneous resolution., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest This work was supported by JSPSKAKENHI Grant Number JP22K16904., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objectives: Butterfly inlay myringoplasty is a simple and practical surgical technique used in the repair of tympanic membrane perforation offering good outcomes in terms of hearing. The present study evaluates the effects of myringosclerosis on the success of surgery by reviewing demographic data, perforation size and hearing outcomes of patients undergoing endoscopic inlay butterfly myringoplasty due to chronic otitis media., Methods: The study included 75 patients who underwent endoscopic inlay butterfly myringoplasty with the diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Fırat University Faculty of Medicine between March 2018 and July 2021. The patients were divided into three groups as the following. Group I: Patients without a myringosclerotic focus in the neighborhood of tympanic membrane perforation, Group II: Patients with a less than 50% myringosclerotic focus in the neighborhood of tympanic membrane, and Group III: Patients with a more than 50% myringosclerotic focus in the neighborhood of tympanic membrane., Results: The comparison of all preoperative and postoperative parameters and the reduction in air-bone gap between the groups did not show statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The comparison of air-bone gaps between preoperative and postoperative measurements showed a statistically significant difference in all groups (p<0.05). The grafting success rate was 100% in Group I, 96.4% in Group II, and 95.6% in Group III. The mean operation time was 28.57±2.54 min in Group I, 32.14±2.44 min in Group II, and 30.69±3.43 in Group III; there was a statistically significant difference only between Group I and Group II (p = 0.001)., Conclusions: The graft success rate and hearing gain in patients with myringosclerosis were similar to those in patients without myringosclerosis. Therefore, butterfly inlay myringoplasty is applicable to patients with chronic otitis media regardless of the presence or absence of myringosclerosis., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the long term outcome of endoscope full-thickness cartilage graft myringoplasty combined with topical application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for repair of perforations with extensive epithelialization., Materials and Methods: In total, 65 perforations with extensive epithelialization of edges were divided into the endoscope full-thickness cartilage graft myringoplasty with (bFGF treatment group) and without topical application of bFGF (control group) groups. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of the hearing gain and graft success rate at 12 and 24 months post-surgery., Results: All patients were followed up at 24 months. Graft success rate was 97.2% in postoperative 12th month and 97.2% in postoperative 24th month in the bFGF group, whereas graft success rate was 100.0% in postoperative 12th month and 86.2% in postoperative 24th month in the control group. The re-perforation wasn't evident in any patients in the bFGF group while re-perforation in 4 (13.8%) patients in the control group, with statistical significance (P = 0.023).Comparing the two groups, there was no difference regardless of in preoperative or postoperative 12 months mean ABG or ABG closure. CT images revealed the well pneumatized middle ear and mastoid cells at postoperative 24th months in both groups, no middle ear cholesteatoma and keratin pearls were found during the period of follow up., Conclusions: The cartilage-perichondrium double graft combined with bFGF are a feasible and effective method for providing the long-term graft success rate of the perforations with extensive epithelialization., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: To compare cartilage graft rates and graft morphologies when biodegradable Synthetic Polyurethane Foam (BSPF) and Gelfoam are used to pack the EAC after cartilage graft myringoplasty., Methods: Eighty-two patients with chronic perforations underwent endoscopic myringoplasty and were randomized to receive Gelfoam or BSPF packing of the middle ear and EAC.The groups were compared with respect to the pre- and postoperative air-bone gap (ABG), graft integrity, graft epithelialization, graft lateralization, and exudate., Results: Graft success rate was 87.8% in postoperative 3rd month and 87.8% in postoperative 12th month in the Gelfoam group, whereas graft success rate was 97.6% in postoperative 3rd month and 95.1% in postoperative 12th month in the BSPF group, with no statistical significance between two groups in the 3rd (P = 0.089) and 12th (P = 0.236) month after surgery. Comparing the two groups, there was no difference in preoperative or postoperative mean ABG and ABG closure. Graft lateralization or medialization was evident in 6 patients in the Gelfoam group and one in the BSPF group. Re-peroration occured in one patient in the BSPF group., Conclusions: Although cartilage graft myringoplasty between Gelfoam packing and BSPF packing of EAC achieve similar graft success rate and ABG closure, BSPF packing afford better graft support and less exudation than did Gelfoam, well prevent graft lateralization and promote earlier graft epithelialization., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: Tympanic membrane perforations must be closed with surgery; however, most surgical procedures are considerably invasive in nature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of minimally invasive myringoplasty using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and an atelocollagen sponge for closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforations, as well as to identify the factors affecting the surgical outcome., Methods: The records of 118 patients who underwent surgical closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforation at an ear-nose-throat clinic were reviewed retrospectively. After removing the margin of the perforation via a transcanal approach under local anesthesia, an atelocollagen sponge injected with PRP was inserted into the perforation as a scaffold. If the size of the perforation decreased after the surgery, the same surgical procedure was repeated. The success rate of closure after the last surgery was evaluated in terms of the size of the perforation. In addition, the relationships of the success rate with the cause and duration of perforation and patient age were also examined., Results: The perforation was closed after initial or repeat surgeries in 95.8% (68/71) of cases with small-sized perforations, 80.0% (32/40) of cases with middle-sized perforations, and 85.7% (6/7) of cases with large-sized perforations. Multiple surgeries (up to four times) were required for middle- and large-sized perforations, and even for some small-sized perforations. The number of re-operations required for closure significantly increased with increase in the size of the perforation (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.01). The cause and duration of perforation were not predictors of the surgical outcome. However, patient age was a significant predictor of the surgical outcome; patients older than 80years had a significantly worse success rate than younger patients (Fisher's exact test, p<0.01)., Conclusion: Minimally invasive myringoplasty using PRP has a satisfactory success rate even for large-sized tympanic membrane perforations. PRP is autologous and its use is non-toxic and safe. Although informed consent from the patient is necessary for the repetition of the surgery and for patients older than 80years, this technique appears to be a promising office-based procedure for closure of chronic tympanic membrane perforations., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the success rates and hearing outcomes of temporalis fascia and tragal cartilage grafts used for type-1 tympanoplasty in the elderly (³65 years) METHODS: The medical records of 73 elderly patients who underwent type-1 tympanoplasty at our center between January 2010 and June 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for age, gender, perforation side, presence of contralateral perforation, type and location of perforation, graft material types, preoperative and postoperative hearing levels, and length of follow-up., Results: The graft success rate was 83.5% (61 patients) for the entire group, 76.2% (32 patients) for the fascia group, and 93.5% (29 patients) for the cartilage group. The success rate for the cartilage group was significantly higher than that for the fascia group (P=0.048). The mean hearing gain was 12.5±7.6 and 8.9±6.1dB in the fascia and cartilage groups, respectively, and postoperative ABG was 10 dB or better in 29 (69.0%) and 19 (61.3%) patients, respectively. The mean hearing gain was significantly higher in the fascia group than in the cartilage group (P=0.028), whereas the mean ABG was significantly higher in the cartilage group than in the fascia group (P=0.009). The functional success rates were similar in both groups (P=0.490)., Conclusion: Tympanoplasty is a safe and effective procedure in elderly patients with a 83.5% of graft success rate. Tragal cartilage may be the first choice of graft material due to its high success rates. The functional outcomes did not show significant differences between the fascia and cartilage groups., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of simultaneous bilateral inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasties (BIBCT) using tragal cartilage from one ear in patients with bilateral chronic otitis media (BCOM)., Methods: 33 patients (66 ears) who underwent bilateral inlay butterfly cartilage tympanoplasties between June 2013 and September 2016 in Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Adiyaman University Education and Research Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey - a tertiary care university teaching hospital. Anatomical success and functional success were assessed postoperatively. Air-bone gap (ABG), air-conduction thresholds, and bone-conduction thresholds were all assessed. The preoperative and postoperative averages of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3kHz of pure-tone thresholds were used for the mean air- and bone-conduction thresholds according to the guidelines of the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium., Results: Anatomical success could be demonstrated in 57 of 66 ears (86.3%). The overall mean of ABG improved from 23.97±8.63dB preoperatively to 10.42±4.82dB postoperatively (p<0.05). The ABG gain was 13.55±8.17dB. Postoperative percentages of patients with ABG less than 20dB and 10dB were excellently achieved to 98% (41% preoperatively) and 56% (10.6% preoperatively), respectively. The average length of operation time for both ears was 57.42±9.39min., Conclusion: When compared with conventional two-staged tympanoplasty in patients with BCOM, simultaneous BIBCT using tragal cartilage from one ear is an advantageous approach for multiple reasons which include single hospital stay with resultant decreased risk of complications associated with anesthesia and surgery, less morbidity like cosmetic and hearing discomfort, time-savingness and cost-effectiveness., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the efficacy of butterfly inlay cartilage tympanoplasty and compare it with conventional underlay cartilage tympanoplasty in terms of success rate and hearing outcomes., Materials and Methods: The study included 35 patients (36 ears) who underwent butterfly inlay cartilage tympanoplasty (inlay group, 23 ears of 22 patients) or conventional underlay cartilage tympanoplasty (underlay group, 13 ears). The anatomical success rate and hearing outcomes were analysed., Results: Re-perforation occurred in 2 cases (8.7%) in the inlay group and 3 (23.1%) in the underlay group. One patient in the inlay group developed a serious infection, and one in the underlay group developed massive granulation of the tympanic membrane. In the inlay group, the air-bone gap (ABG) decreased from 19.9 (±12.6) dB HL preoperatively to 13.8 (±11.3) dB HL postoperatively (p=0.047), in the underlay group, it decreased from 23.5 (±15.8) dB HL to 18.3 (±20.6) dB HL. Regarding improvement in ABG, the difference between the group was not statistically significant (p=0.968)., Conclusion: Butterfly inlay cartilage tympanoplasty is comparable with conventional underlay cartilage tympanoplasty in both anatomic and audiological success rates. Owing to its simplicity, shorter operation time, and rapid patient recovery, butterfly inlay cartilage tympanoplasty could be considered a favourable surgical option., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The purpose of this prospective case-control study is to evaluate the sound energy absorbance characteristics of cartilage grafts in patients, who have undergone type 1 cartilage tympanoplasty., Methods: Thirty-four operated ears of 32 patients and 70 ears of 35 control subjects were included. Differences of pure-tone audiometry thresholds and wideband ambient-pressure absorbance ratios with respect to the graft material, graft thickness, cartilage surface area ratio and elapsed time after surgery were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristics curve was generated to detect the absorbance level at which the reconstructed tympanic membrane behaves as 'near-normal tympanic membrane'., Results: In the surgical group, wideband energy absorbance ratios at all 1/2-octave band frequencies were significantly worse than normal ears. Energy absorbance ratios at 2000 and 2828Hz frequencies were higher in patients with tragal cartilage grafts. Higher absorbance ratios at 250-750Hz range were obtained in patients with 400μm cartilage graft thickness, <50% cartilage surface area ratio and ≥5 years since surgery. A multivariate generalized linear model revealed common effects of the independent variables at 8000Hz. The receiver operating characteristics analysis generated a cut-off level of 63.20% of sound energy absorbance at 1400Hz with 83% sensitivity and 88% specificity., Conclusion: Even though no differences in hearing thresholds were observed; graft material, graft thickness, cartilage surface area ratio and elapsed time after surgery affected the course of sound energy absorbance after type 1 cartilage tympanoplasty as evidenced by wideband tympanometry., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Management of anterior perforations of tympanic membrane is a surgical challenge. The objective of this study is to analyse and compare the results of composite cartilage perichondrium island (CCPI) graft and temporalis fascia graft by endoscopic technique in anterior quadrant perforations., Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care centre from 2012-16. A total of 187 ear drums(n) in 168 patients with perforations involving anterior quadrant were included in the study. All the patients were operated completely by endoscopic technique. Tragal Composite cartilage perichondrium island (CCPI) graft was used in 87 ears and temporalis fascia in 100. Each group was categorised into A and B depending on perforation size. The outcome parameters assessed include graft success with regard to perforation size, pre- and postoperative ABG, mean improvement in ABG, ABG closure ratio and graft medialisation/lateralisation status., Results: Cartilage group had 91.95% (80/87) success rate overall, while fascia had 79% (79/100). In category 1, the success rate for cartilage and temporalis fascia were 89.6% (26/29) and 68.9% (20/29) respectively (p=0.51788). In category 2, the success rates were 93.1% (54/58) and 83.1% (59/71) respectively (p=0.86356). The mean improvement in ABG for both groups were 17.52±3.84dB and 15.26±5.56dB respectively (p=0.04). ABG closure ratio for both the groups were 62.84±11.87 % and 53.6±19.6 % respectively (p=0.0008)., Conclusion: Endoscopic composite cartilage perichondrium island graft is an effective technique in managing perforations of anterior quadrant barring the expertise required for endoscopic ear surgeries., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Surgical repair of the tympanic membrane, termed a type one tympanoplasty is a tried and tested treatment modality. Overlay or underlay technique of tympanoplasty is common. Sandwich Tympanoplasty is the combined overlay and underlay grafting of tympanic membrane., Objective: To describe and evaluate the modified sandwich graft (mediolateral double layer graft) tympanoplasty using temporalis fascia and areolar fascia. To compare the clinical and audiological outcome of modified sandwich tympanoplasty with underlay tympanoplasty., Methods: A total of 88 patients of chronic otitis media were studied. 48 patients (Group A) underwent type one tympanoplasty with modified sandwich graft. Temporalis fascia was underlaid and the areolar fascia was overlaid. 48 patients (Group B) underwent type one tympanoplasty with underlay fascia technique. 48 patients (Group C) underwent type one tympanoplasty with underlay cartilage technique. We assessed the healing and hearing results., Results: Successful graft take up was accomplished in 47 patients (97.9%) in Group A, in 40 patients (83.3%) Group B, and in 46 (95.8%) patients in Group C. The average Air-Bone gap closure achieved in Group A was 24.4±1.7dB, in Group B, it was 22.5±3.5dB and in group C, it was 19.8±2.6dB. Statistically significant difference was found in graft healing rate. Difference in hearing improvement was not statistically significant., Conclusion: Double layered graft with drum-malleus as a 'meat' of sandwich maintains a perfect balance between sufficient stability and adequate acoustic sensitivity., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

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)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty for perforations of the tympanic membrane. The main outcome was the overall rate of graft success of endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty., Results: A total of 181 patients were included in the analysis. The overall graft success was determined in 163 of 181 patients (92.8%). The mean preoperative and postoperative air-bone gaps were 19.3dB and 7.8dB, respectively, revealing a significant improvement of 11.5dB (Cohen's d, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.03-1.50; P<0.05; paired t test) in the air-bone gap. The rate of graft success with partial visualization of the perforation margin was comparable to that with complete visualization of the perforation margin. Larger sizes of perforations were significantly associated with lower rates of graft success (P<0.01)., Conclusion: Our study revealed that the rate of graft success and hearing results of endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty and microscopic myringoplasty are comparable for repairing perforations of the tympanic membrane. Visualization of the perforation margin by otoscopy did not affect the rate of graft success. However, endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty is less invasive because this technique does not require postauricular incision, canalplasty, and general anesthesia., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The tympanomeatal flap elevation technique has been used in tympanoplasty for decades; however, this procedure has disadvantages. In recent years, endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty (ETM) has been increasingly practiced and has yielded positive results.This study compares the efficacy of ETM and endoscopic type I tympanoplasty (ETT) in repairing medium-sized perforations of the tympanic membrane., Methods: This retrospective medical record review included patients undergoing surgery for medium-sized perforations of the tympanic membrane from January 1, 2013 to August 1, 2015. We divided our patients into 2 groups: the ETM group and ETT group. The main outcome measure was comparison of the graft take rates and hearing results between ETM and ETT., Results: A total of 113 patients were enrolled in this study; of these patients, 64 underwent ETM and 49 received ETT. The overall graft take rates and improvement of air-bone gaps were comparable between the groups. However, the patients in the ETM group had shorter operative times and fewer follow-up visits over 3 months than those in the ETT group did., Conclusion: We recommend that ETM (instead of ETT) be used for repairing medium-sized perforations of the tympanic membrane., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Although fascia is widely used as the grafting material in tympanoplasty (TP), unsatisfactory outcomes can result in patients with poor prognostic factors. Recently, cartilage has emerged as a graft material in TP. This study examined the operative outcomes of type I TP using a cartilage shield graft (CSG) in patients with poor prognostic factors., Methods: This study reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent type I TP using CSG performed by the same surgeon, with over 24 months of follow-up., Results: There were 94 patients (mean age 46 years). Preoperatively, 39 patients had near-total perforation, 29 had a previous TP or myringoplasty, 14 had adhesive otitis media, and 12 had a marginal perforation covering ≥50% of the tympanic membrane area. The mean postoperative air-bone gap was significantly (p<0.0001) reduced compared to preoperative measurements. Postoperatively, tympanic membrane perforation occurred in 2.1% and otorrhea in 6.4%. There were no cases of retraction, adhesion, or lateralization. One subject complained of autophonia and ear fullness., Conclusion: Type I TP using CSG has excellent surgical results and minimal complications, even in patients with poor prognostic factors, and should thus be considered in those patients., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The present study evaluated the results of the graft success rate and hearing gain of children who underwent endoscopic inlay butterfly myringoplasty due to chronic otitis media., Methods: The study included 32 pediatric patients aged between 8 and 17, who had endoscopic inlay butterfly myringoplasty with the diagnosis of chronic otitis media between September 2012 and January 2015 in Elazig Training and Research Hospital Otorhinolaryngology Clinic and Firat University Otorhinolaryngology Clinic. All patients' demographics, perforation size, and hearing status were examined., Results: Tympanic membrane perforation was ≤3mm in 12 patients and between 3 and 6mm in 20 patients. The air-bone gap (ABG) of the patients was 18.5±6.29dB preoperatively, 8.81±3.53dB postoperatively second month, 8.09±3.55dB postoperatively sixth month, and 7.96±3.32dB postoperatively 12th month. Two (6.3%) of the patients had postoperative myringitis. Two (6.3%) patients had recurrent perforation in the postoperative follow-ups., Conclusion: In children, endoscopic inlay butterfly tympanoplasty is a surgical technique with short duration, high graft success, effective hearing reconstruction, and high levels of postoperative patient comfort., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate the outcomes of tympanoplasty in elderly (≥60 years) compared with young patients (18-59 years)., Materials and Methods: Patients who had been performed type I tympanoplasty between 2009 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative and postoperative audiological results and the graft success of 42 older patients were compared with those of 72 younger ones., Results: The mean preoperative air conduction levels were statistically significantly higher in older group (57.4±16.8dB) than younger group (37.3±10.3dB) (p<0.001). Preoperative bone conduction levels were statistically significantly higher in older group (28.5±13.4dB) than in the younger group (12.4±4.8dB) (p<0.001). The mean preoperative and postoperative air-bone gaps were statistically significantly larger in the older group (28.5±11.0dB, 16.4±9.0dB) than in the younger group (24.9±7.7dB, 12.4±8.0dB respectively) (p<0.001). The intragroup comparisons of preoperative and postoperative mean air-bone gaps revealed statistically significant improvements in both groups (p<0.001 for both). Graft success rates and the mean hearing gains were not statistically significantly different between the groups (p=0.225, p=0.786 respectively)., Conclusion: Although preoperative and postoperative air and bone conduction levels were worse in the older group, graft take rates and postoperative hearing gain did not differ between the groups. If the physical status is stable tympanoplasty procedure can be recommended for elderly patients., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: In this retrospective study, we investigated the outcomes of fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) in different perforation sizes and locations. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of closure rates and audiological test results., Methods: The study population included 172 patients who were operated between 2007 and 2012. 161 had unilateral and 11 had bilateral chronic otitis media; and 183 ears were operated by FGM. The patients were divided into two groups based on size as small and larger (size of ≤30 of TM was defined as small perforations, and size of >30% TM was defined as a medium-large perforations); and two groups based on location of perforation [anterior and other (non-anteriorly located)]. Patients' follow-ups were performed between 1 and 5 years; and follow-up examinations were performed with otoendoscopy. Air conduction (AC) thresholds and air-bone gap (ABG) were evaluated both preoperative year and postoperative 1st year., Results: The total perforation closure rate was 84.7%. In this study, we found out that FGM is effective closing medium-large perforations just as small perforations with the success rate of 79.1% and 86.4% respectively (p>0.05). When audiological outcomes were evaluated in both groups, AC values got lower and ABG values improved postoperatively, whereas regarding AC thresholds and ABG improvement among the size groups, patients with small perforations had significantly better postoperative results (p<0.05). In terms of perforation location, closure rates were 85.2% in anteriorly perforations and 84.5% in the other located perforations. Audiological outcomes demonstrated that in both groups, AC values got lower and ABG values improved postoperatively; and hearing results were not different in anteriorly located perforations and other locations., Conclusion: Fat graft myringoplasty (FGM) may be used in all small and medium-large, and anteriorly and other located perforations. Although hearing improvement was detected in each of the small; and medium-large perforations; patients with small perforations had more satisfied audiological outcome than medium-large perforations., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a novel technique of using rotation flap of canal skin in patients with total or subtotal tympanic membrane (TM) perforation with no anterior residual tympanic membrane., Methods: A retrospective study of 50 patients with total or subtotal perforation repaired with rotation flap of canal skin. Clinical and audiometric data were recorded., Results: The overall perforation closure rate was 96%. A statistically significant shortened healing time was observed., Conclusion: The rotation flap of canal skin could be an effective and safe technique for perforations with no anterior residual TM., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the effects of pure tympanic membrane perforation on bone conduction hearing level., Patients and Methods: Fifty-six ears of 52 consecutive patients with dry perforated tympanic membrane, and without any middle and/or inner ear pathology were involved in this retrospective study. Of these 52 patients 23 (44.2%) were male and 29 (55.8%) were female. Mean age and age range were 32.01±12.73 and 10-49 years, respectively. Bone conduction thresholds before and after the paper patch manipulation were recorded at the same day. Two measurements were compared to find out the effect of perforated tympanic membrane on the bone conduction hearing level., Results: There were statistically significant differences between pre and post-paper patch values of bone conduction thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4kHz frequencies (P=0.001, 0.001, 0.001 and 0.01, respectively)., Conclusions: Pure tympanic membrane perforation increases bone conduction thresholds. The exact mechanism that deteriorates the bone conduction hearing level in patients with pure dry perforated tympanic membrane needs further studies., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the success rate for revision tympanoplasty using different graft materials, to compare results of primary and re-tympanoplasty using the same technique and to analyse the effect of potential influencing factors on closure of tympanic membrane (TM) and hearing outcome., Methods: Study included all patients, who underwent tympanoplasty (n=617) and re-tympanoplasty (n=94) for chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma in the period between September 1998 and 2007. The data of all patients on preoperative disease, perforation size and localization, middle ear status, surgical approach, graft material, adjunctive procedures, pre- and postoperative morphological (otomicroscopy) and functional (hearing examination evaluating pure-tone audiogram) results were analyzed. All operations were performed using an underlay technique and either the retroauricular or transcanal approach. The temporal fascia, perichondrium or cartilage-perichondrium composite grafts were used for the reconstruction of TM. Ossiculoplasty was performed as needed. The interrelation between multiple pre-operative parameters and post-operative morphological (closure of the perforation) and functional (hearing level) outcomes was analysed., Results: Successful closure rates of the TM perforation were 93.6% and 90.2% of the patients in the primary and revision tympanoplasty groups, respectively. Graft take rate and hearing results did not depend on graft material. Structural changes were found more frequently in the re-tympanoplasty group (63.4% comparing to 29.5% of primary cases). Ossiculoplasty was performed more often in revision cases (24.4% comparing to 11.4% of primary cases). Successful hearing (ABG within 20dB) for primary tympanoplasties was achieved in 81.1%, and for retympanoplasty - in 69.5% of the cases. (p<0.01). There were no interrelation between any estimated parameters and the graft take rate for either primary or revision tympanoplasty., Conclusions: There is no evidence of increased risk of graft failure in re-tympanoplasty cases when compared to primary tympanoplasty operations. Hearing results depend on structural changes in the middle ear (ossicular abnormalities and tympanoscerosis) which in revision cases are found more often. No differences were found between fascia, perichondrum or cartilage-perichondrium grafts in terms of graft healing and hearing results., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Amyloidosis of the external auditory canal is extremely rare. Only 12 cases, including the present case, have been reported, and this is the second reported case attributed to dialysis. This case involved a 56-year-old man who had been on dialysis for 12years. A tumor was visible in the right external auditory canal and caused pain. The tumor was resected at another hospital, but subsequently recurred with rapid increase in size due to infection. We therefore performed further resection at our hospital. We report our experiences herein, together with a discussion of the literature., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: There is a marked diversity in the reported success rates for achieving an intact tympanic membrane following tympanoplasty. Controversy exists about the factors thought to influence surgical outcome. These facts have important implications for the selection of patients who would benefit the most. This study reviews the factors thought to determine the anatomical and functional success of tympanoplasty in children., Materials and Methods: Retrospective study of the anatomical and functional results of 91 tympanoplasties performed in children. Age, gender, size and site of perforation, status of operated and contralateral ear, underlying cause of the perforations, surgical technique, pre-operative and post-operative hearing levels, post-operative follow-up time and post-operative complications were recorded. We divided our population into two groups according to the expected eustachian tube maturity (younger group (N=24): ≤10 years old, older group (N=67): >10 years old). All patients were evaluated in terms of anatomical and functional outcome and complications., Results: Anatomical success was achieved in 85.7% and functional success was 76.9% after a mean follow-up of 25.6 ± 17.1 months. Anatomical success (intact tympanic membrane) was achieved in 83% of younger vs 87% of older patients (p=n.s.). Functional (air bone gap closure) success was 75% in the younger group vs 78% in the older group (p=n.s.). There were no significant differences in post-operative gain at different frequencies (500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 Hz) between the two groups. A previous adenoidectomy in children older than 10 years seems to be an independent predictor of functional success The incidence of minor and major complications were 29% in patients aged ≤10 and 21% in those older than 10 (p=n.s.). We report 12.9% minor post-operative complications in successful cases: injury to the chorda tympani nerve (5.7%), wound infection (2.9%), otitis externa (2.9%) and transient vertigo (1.4%). Among the 21 reperforations observed, 92.3% occurred before 1 year., Conclusions: This study shows that tympanoplasty is a valid treatment modality for tympanic membrane perforation in the pediatric population. A tympanic membrane perforation can be closed at any age. There is no age limit below which perforation should not be closed. A previous adenoidectomy in children older than 10 years seems to be an independent predictor of functional success., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Although it appears very uncommon in adult COM, Mycobacterium abscessus should be considered as a possible cause of a chronically draining ear. Multi-antibiotic chemotherapy including high-dose clarithromycin can effectively treat adult COM cased by M. abscessus. The first case report of adult chronic otitis media (COM) caused by M. abscessus is described here. A 61-year-old woman presented persistent otorrhea for 2 months, despite treatment with standard antimicrobial drugs. Physical examination revealed a small perforation of the tympanic membrane and edematous middle ear mucosa. Mycobacterial cultures and PCR yielded non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM); M. abscessus. Intravenous panipenem/betamipron and amikacin and oral clarithromycin were administered for 36 days. Computed tomography of the temporal bone showed improved aeration in the tympanic cavity, but soft tissue shadow remained unchanged in the mastoid 31 days after starting medication. She therefore underwent tympano-mastoidectomy at 36 days. At surgery, inflammation remained in the middle ear, and edematous pale mucosal tissue was noted around the stapes and ossicular chain. Histopathologic examination showed inflammation and granulation tissue, but no caseating necrosis or acid-fast bacilli. After surgery the symptoms resolved and remained well without evidence of infection recurrence 12 months after the operation., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report our experience with "loop overlay" tympanoplasty, a modified overlay technique with a superiorly based skin flap, for the reconstruction of anterior, subtotal or total tympanic membrane (TM) perforations., Methods: Retrospective review of patients undergoing loop overlay tympanoplasty from March 1998 to February 2007 was performed. Four hundred and twenty-nine patients who underwent loop overlay tympanoplasty and then follow-up visits a minimum of 6 months later were included in this study. Hearing test results were reported using a four-frequency (0.5, 1, 2, and 3kHz) pure tone average air-bone gap. The outcome was considered successful if the TM was intact without lateralization or anterior blunting after the follow-up visit., Results: There was a 98.8% success rate. There was no graft lateralization, anterior blunting, neocholesteatoma, or sensorineural hearing loss. The mean preoperative to postoperative four-tone air-bone gap improved from 23.5 to 8.1dB, which is a mean gain of 15dB; this was statistically significant (p<0.001, paired sample t-test)., Conclusion: The loop overlay graft method is a safe and effective technique for reconstruction of anterior, subtotal or total TM perforations, with excellent graft take and significant improvement of hearing. It provides a precise replacement of the flap and a preserved healing plane., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To clarify true incidence of sensorineural hearing loss in ears with chronic otitis media (COM)., Methods: Bone conduction (BC) hearing thresholds of 180 preoperative patients (207 ears) with COM and 226 normal individuals (289 ears) were measured by audiometry, and the percentage of ears with BC thresholds being higher than normal range was evaluated in the COM group. In the COM group, the size of the perforation on the eardrum (n=196) and the cross-sectional area of the mastoid air cells based on the axial CT image (n=103) were also measured and correlated with the results of BC threshold., Results: The percentage of ears with BC thresholds being higher than normal range calculated from comparison to the control group tended to increase with age, ranging from 4.5% in the 20s to 34.1% in the 60s with an average of 26.6%. The increase in the BC thresholds did not correlate with the size of eardrum perforation, but correlated well with the size of the mastoid air cells., Conclusion: These results may suggest that all measures for early cure, including surgery, should be considered as early as possible for patients with COM.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors, also known as inflammatory pseudotumors, include a diverse group of lesions characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and variable fibrotic responses. Their occurrence in the temporal bone is unusual. We present a case of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the mastoid bone in a 55-year-old female who complained of repeated otorrhea and a hearing impairment. On an otoscopic exam, her tympanic membrane was perforated. The computed tomographic imaging revealed a soft-tissue density-filled middle ear and mastoid with sclerotic bony change. The initial clinical diagnosis was chronic suppurative otitis media and mastoiditis, and the patient underwent a canal-wall down tympanomastoidectomy through a retroauricular approach. A histopathologic examination showed the presence of myofibroblastic spindle cells with mixed inflammatory infiltrates, and the pathologic diagnosis was inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.

Objectives: To examine the correlation between the middle-ear pressure-regulation functions including active eustachian tube (ET) functions and transmucosal gas exchange function, and outcome of tympanoplasty., Patients and Methods: Seventy five patients (78 ears) with non-cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media with eardrum perforation but without ossicular damage or middle-ear anomaly participated in this study. Before surgery, patency of the ET was examined by applying positive pressure to the middle ear through the eardrum perforation, and then the ET pressure-regulation functions were examined using the inflation-deflation test. Also their transmucosal gas exchange function was evaluated by examining the presence or absence of aeration in the mastoid on the CT before surgery or through the microscope during the surgery. All of them underwent type-I tympanoplasty, and their postoperative conditions including the hearing were followed for more than 6 months. The outcome of the surgery was judged as poor outcome when they had any of the following conditions; more than 20 dB of mean air-bone gap, spontaneous perforation within 6 months, or persistent wet condition including recurrent otorrhea., Results: First, the outcome of all the four ears of which ETs were considered mechanically obstructed was poor. Next, among the remaining 74 ears, none of the three individual parameters, including positive and negative middle-ear pressure-equalizing functions and mastoid aeration, showed significantly positive correlation with the outcome of the surgery, but significantly higher incidence of poor outcome was seen only when all the three parameters were poor., Conclusions: These results indicated that impairment of all the middle-ear pressure-regulation functions was likely to cause poor outcome of tympanoplasty, and also allowed us reconfirm that ears with mechanically obstructed ETs were contraindicated for tympanoplasty. Therefore, assessment of mastoid condition is important as well as the ET function before tympanoplasty.

Objectives: To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of mastoidectomy on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected chronic otitis media in comparison with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA)-infected otitis media., Methods: Between January 1998 and October 2003, 18 ears underwent surgery for MRSA-infected chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation at the Department of Otolaryngology, Hyogo College of Medicine. Another 33 ears underwent surgery for MSSA-infected chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation during the same period. The postoperative results of graft success rate, hearing results and other complications were compared between MRSA-infected and MSSA-infected ears with or without mastoidectomy, and discharging or dry ears., Results: In MRSA, the mastoidectomy group tended to have a better graft success rate than the non-mastoidectomy group. In MSSA, there were almost the same graft success rate and hearing results between the mastoidectomy and non-mastoidectomy groups regardless of the presence of discharge. In MRSA-infected discharging ears, the rate of postoperative complications (ear drum perforation, persistent otorrhea, and dehiscence of skin incision) were significantly lower in the mastoidectomy group than in the non-mastoidectomy group (p=0.046)., Conclusion: Mastoidectomy had significantly better results concerning postoperative complications in discharging ears with MRSA-infected chronic otitis media. We recommend performing tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy in MRSA-infected chronic otitis media.

Objective: Earlier studies documented a slow diffusion of gas across the tympanic membrane (TM) in humans and animals. However, structural changes caused by repeated TM perforations could affect gas diffusion rates. This possibility was evaluated using a chinchilla model., Methods: In six chinchillas, the right TM was perforated four times at 2-week intervals; the left TM served as a control. Approximately 12 weeks after the fourth perforation and when the right TMs had healed, a probe was introduced into the external canal and sealed to the environment. For 120 min, pressure in the probe was continuously monitored and probe gas was sampled at 10 min intervals and analyzed for composition by online mass spectrometry. Percent compositions for CO(2) and O(2) were calculated and these data were recast as partial-pressure versus time functions. The information contained in those functions was used to estimate time-constants for transTM O(2) and CO(2) diffusion., Results: In all experiments, CO(2) percent composition in the probe increased as a curvilinear function of time while that for O(2) decreased linearly. For all animals and both gases, the rate of change in probe partial-pressure was greater for the right TM. Average values of the right and left time-constants were (6.7 +/- 2.4) x 10(-3) and (4.2 +/- 2.2) x 10(-3)min(-1)TM(-1) for CO(2), and (2.3 +/- 0.8) x 10(-3) and (1.5 +/- 0.5) x 10(-3)min(-1)TM(-1) for O(2). Between side differences in these time-constants were statistically significant (P < 0.05, 2-tailed, paired, Student's t-test). The average right/left, transTM time-constant ratio was 1.66 +/- 0.43 for CO(2) and 1.61 +/- 43 for O(2); both were significantly different from a value of 1.0 (P < 0.05, 2-tailed Student's t-test)., Conclusion: These results document an increased rate of diffusive gas exchange across TMs that had been repeatedly perforated. This effect may be caused by structural thinning secondary to scar formation and could have implications for middle ear pressure regulation in ears with a history of repeated myringotomies and/or tympanostomy tube insertions.

Acute otalgia during childhood is one of the most common complaints in general ENT practice. It may occur as a result of acute otitis externa, otitis media or a foreign body. Animate foreign body in the ear canal or in the middle ear usually results in otalgia and hearing loss. We present a rare case of a living mature termite in the middle ear of a 9-year-old girl complaining of intermittent attacks of otalgia associated with a loud cracking sound in the left ear. In this case, a small perforation of the tympanic membrane without a history of previous trauma, infection, or evidence of a foreign body in the external ear raises a suspicion. A careful, time-consumed microscopic examination could show the living creature in the middle ear. Immediate immobilization and removal of the living foreign body are imperative. In conclusion, tympanic membrane perforation and intermittent severe otalgia without history of otitis may lead to a suspicion of any insects in the middle ear.

Objective: Bilateral same day surgery has been performed rarely because of the risk of postoperative sensorineural hearing loss following conventional myringoplasty or tympanoplasty (CMT). Simple underlay myringoplasty (SUM) through the ear canal has been developed by Yuasa R, Saijo S, Tomioka Y, et al. Office closure of eardrum perforation with fibrin glue (in Japanese), Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg (Tokyo) 1989;61:1117-1122, which has little risk of sensorineural hearing loss. We tried bilateral same day surgery using this technique and evaluated its outcome., Methods: Of 86 cases with bilateral perforated chronic otitis media that we treated between 1995-1997, 25 cases underwent bilateral same day surgery. Bilateral SUMs was performed on seven patients, SUM and CMT on 16 patients, and bilateral CMTs on two patients., Results: Closure of perforation was successful in 18 patients (72%) on both sides and in seven patients (28%) on one side. Postoperative air-bone gap of less than 20 dB was achieved in 15 cases (60%) on both sides and in 23 cases (92%) on one side., Conclusion: Bilateral same day surgery for bilateral perforated chronic otitis media is possible if the operative indications are considered.

Perforations produced following myringoplasty are very difficult to close by ordinary cautery or patching even if they are small. Therefore we decided to close these intractable perforations with a skin graft from the cartilaginous ear canal. Our method is an in-office operation under local anesthesia. After the removal of epithelium from around the perforation a skin graft was placed by the over-lay method. A total of 11 patients were treated, of which 81.8% (9/11) demonstrated successful closure in the initial surgery and two re-perforations were successfully closed by a second and third operation, respectively. The technique used in this surgery is relatively easy and appropriate for in-office operations. The method's advantages include decreased invasiveness with minimal anesthesia and no requirement for ear canal packing or fixatives, and cosmetic benefit. This method also can be applied to perforations caused by chronic otitis media, traumatic perforations, and perforations after inserting tubes.

The effects of lightning on the audiovestibular apparatus vary with the degree of injury. This depends on whether the individual is struck directly or indirectly by lightning. We reported two cases where lightning has caused trauma to audiovestibular apparatus and have reviewed the available literature. One patient was struck directly by lightning leading to rupture of the tympanic membrane and a conductive hearing loss. The other patient was struck indirectly via telephone cable and had a mixed hearing loss with tympanic membrane intact.