Endoscopic Tympanoplasty Using Nasal Septal Cartilage Allograft

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze the morphological and functional outcomes in a series of 60 patients for whom Type I tympanoplasty was done using alcohol preserved nasal septal cartilage allograft through endoscopic permeatal route. The study was a prospective, interventional (surgical) study of 60 patients between October 2012 and September 2014. Patients were operated using 0°, 4 mm, 18 cm long Hopkin's rod endoscope through permeatal route. 70% ethyl alcohol preserved allogeneic nasal septal cartilage with thickness of around 0.5 mm was used for grafting. At the end of 6 months, final assessment of morphological outcome i.e. intact tympanic membrane and functional outcome i.e. reduction in Air Bone gap, was done. At the end of 6 months, 57 patients (95%) had intact tympanic membrane. Mean ABG in postoperative patients was 11.83 dB. The operative time taken in 42 patients (70%) was 30-45 min. 42 patients (70%) returned to normal activity in 3-5 days. Endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty using allogenic nasal septal cartilage can be safely and effectively used for Type I tympanoplasty with good anatomical and audiological results with benefits of reduced operating time, morbidity, pain and 'No scar'.

Keywords: Allograft; Cartilage tympanoplasty; Endoscopic tympanoplasty; Myringoplasty; Nasal septal cartilage.

Fig. 1

Nasal septal cartilage allograft

Fig. 2

Allograft placed in middle ear by underlay technique

Fig. 3

Six months post-operative result showing intact tympanic membrane