Pediatric Tympanoplasties: Anatomical and Functional Results

Abstract

Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the anatomical and functional results in 167 tympanoplasties performed in children. Methods A retrospective study of the anatomical and functional results of 167 tympanoplasties in children was performed. 91 ears had full records and were included in the study. Age, gender, size and site of perforation, status of operated and contralateral ear, underlying cause of the perforations, surgical technique, preoperative and postoperative hearing levels, postoperative follow-up time, and postoperative complications were recorded. Hearing results were reported using a 5-frequency (500,1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4000 Hz) pure-tone average air-bone gap. Results Anatomical success was achieved in 85% of cases. 71% of the reperforations occurred during the first year of follow-up. The anatomical and functional success was 76% after a mean follow-up of 26.4 ± 16.2 months. The mean postoperative air conduction threshold significantly improved in the successful cases, with a mean audiological improvement of 12.54 ±7.3dB (p<0.05). The maximum mean postoperative gain was seen at 500 Hz 14.9 ±10.1 dB (P<.05). No postoperative sensorineural hearing loss was observed. 18% of minor postoperative complications were seen. Surgeon experience, intact and mobile ossicular chain, dry ear, and follow-up longer than 12 months (p<0.05) improves functional outcome. Conclusions We conclude that tympanoplasty in children is safe with anatomical and functional results comparable to that reported for adults. Dry ear over 6 months, surgeon experience, intact and mobile ossicular chain and follow-up >12 months significantly improves functional outcome.

Timanoplastia tipo 1 e miringoplastia na residência: resultados cirúrgicos e audiométricos

“…The success rate of tympanoplasty in children is probably not an age issue but an issue of patient selection. It is considered a safe procedure, with anatomic and functional results comparable to that reported for adults (15,16,17).…”