Endoscopic type 3 tympanoplasty: Functional outcomes in chronic otitis media

Abstract

Background: Type 3 tympanoplasty is the surgery of choice for middle ear reconstruction in cases where an integral stapes suprastructure and mobile footplate are present.

Objective: The objective of this study was to obtain functional results after endoscopic type 3 tympanoplasty in chronic otitis media.

Materials and methods: Prospective study including 24 patients who underwent endoscopic type 3 tympanoplasty, using PORP for ossicular chain reconstruction (OCR) and cartilage graft for tympanic membrane reconstruction. Audiograms were made preoperatively, and 6 months after surgery.

Results: Dry, closed, self-cleaning ears were obtained in 91.7% of the cases. Mean preoperative air-bone gap (ABG) was 30.4dB, mean postoperative ABG was 16.7dB, dB gain of 13.6dB. ABG closure rate to 20dB or less of 79.2%, and to 10dB or less of 29.2%.

Conclusion and significance: Endoscopic tympanoplasty and OCR is a valid option for surgeons who are comfortable with the use of endoscopes for middle ear surgery as it allows improved visualization of the prosthesis and graft placement during middle ear reconstruction.

Keywords: Chronic otitis media; Cirugía endoscópica de oreja; Endoscopic ear surgery; Ossicular chain reconstruction; Otitis media crónica; Partial ossicular replacement prostheses; Reconstrucción de la cadena osicular; Timpanoplastia tipo 3; Type 3 tympanoplasty.