The Impact of Cubism Graft on The Outcome of Tympanoplasty Surgery

Abstract

Article informationBackground: Tympanoplasty is a common procedure for repairing tympanic membrane perforation. Over the past years, several methods of grafting have been tried with satisfactory results. However, many consequences and obstacles that may affect success rate and hearing gain had been encountered. Aim of the work:To compare the auditory and anatomical outcomes between two different techniques in tympanoplasty: the first with temporalis facia graft with the new "cubism" graft and the other with temporalis facia graft alone. Patients and Methods:A prospective, randomized clinical trial included 40 patients with tympanic membrane perforation due to chronic suppurative otitis media. Patients were randomly assigned to cubism graft or non-cubism graft in addition to the standard temporalis facia graft. The two groups are compared for take rate and pure tone audiometry after the surgery.Results: Cubism graft group wasn't significantly different to Temporalis fascia only group regarding ABG [p= 0.233]. The ABG gain 3 months in Cubism graft group ranged from 14 to 17.5 with mean ± SD = 16.17 ± 1.15 while in Temporalis fascia only group the ABG gain 3 months ranged from 10 to 16 with mean ± SD = 14.12 ± 1.91 with statistically significant difference [p= 0.005] between the two groups. Conclusion:The novel "cubism" graft had an overall 95% take rate compared to 85% in non-cubism grafting. Furthermore, hearing improvement was significantly associated with cubism grafting. This hybrid, cartilaginous dust and PRF mixture graft can be used widely in tympanoplasty.