Transcanal tragal cartilage plug tympanoplasty: An alternative approach for management of small and medium sized ear perforations

Background: Tympanoplasty is the most common ear surgery that is performed worldwide. From time immemorial, otolaryngologists worldwide used to perform this operation through the conventional post aural route. This technique no doubt is still the most popular, but it also brings in a lot of disadvantages like post-operative scar, increase morbidity and hospital stay. Hence, the need arised for a more effective, quick and robust technique. Aim: This study is to assess the clinical and audiometric success rate of the new tragal cartilage plug or butterfly technique tympanoplasty. Materials and Methods: We assessed 30 patients (ages between16-55 years) who underwent tragal cartilage plug tympanoplasty. It was a one year prospective clinical study. Results: Out of 30 patients, graft was taken up in 27 and in rest 3 there was residual perforation with an overall success rate of 90%. The anatomical success was assessed by otoscopy with graft well set in place. While functional success was analysed by audiogram, which showed decrease in Air-Bone (A-B) gap in 25 patients (83.3%). Conclusion: Considering the results attained, this method of tympanoplasty should be considered as a good alternative treatment option for repair of tympanic membrane perforations.